Latin name

Scorpaena papillosa

Other names

Southern red scorpionfish, chained scorpionfish, common red gurnard, Southern red scorpioncod, Southern rockcod, dwarf scorpionfish.

Identification

Their large mouth contains small, thin teeth that form a lint. They have a small row of spines under the eyes and 3 spines along the edge of the gill cover.

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-10; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 5. 

Fish colouring

The body of this fish is red in color.

Distribution

This species is found in the Indo-West Pacific, New Zealand and South Australia.

Habitat

A marine benthic species that prefers brackish waters and temperate climates. They inhabit offshore  at depths of 5-50 meters (16-164 feet). They can be found on rocky bottoms, in shallow estuaries, in muddy waters, and in other habitats such as coastal algal thickets and shallow seagrass beds. Juveniles of this species are sometimes found in large rock pools.

Size

The maximum length reaches about 30 cm. 

Behavior

A nocturnal fish. This means that they are awake at night and rest during the day.

Food and feeding habits

These fish feed on many different invertebrates, including crustaceans. They also eat other fish.

Reproduction

Spawning is the process of laying eggs, which are gelatinous, transparent blobs.

Fishing

In some parts of the world, these fish are caught for recreational and commercial purposes. Their flesh is considered very tasty.

Relationship with a person

These fish have venomous spines that can cause serious injury to humans.