Latin name

Scorpaena scrofa

Other name

Bigscale scorpionfish, large-scaled scorpion fish, or rascasse.

Identification

The body of the red scorpionfish is stout, strong and slightly flattened at the sides. The large, broad head is covered with spines. There are tentacle-like skin growths over the eyes and on the nostrils. The chin is also covered with numerous skin growths. The scales on the fish are few but very large. There are about 35 to 40 of them along the lateral line. The scorpion has large, broad pectoral fins and no swim bladder. 

Features of fish fins

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

Fish colouring

The reddish brown body colour of the red scorpionfish varies with habitat. There is often a dark spot on the dorsal spines. These fish moult regularly, often several times a month.

Distribution

The species lives in subtropical seas. The distribution area covers the waters of the north-eastern Atlantic from Senegal to the British Isles, and off Madeira, the Azores, the Canary Islands and Cape Verde, also in the Mediterranean. 

Habitat

Tropical marine demersal non-migratory species that prefers brackish waters. It is most commonly found on rocky, algae-covered substrate. Occasionally it is found on sandy bottoms at depths of 20 to 500 metres. 

Size

The maximum length of these fish is 50 cm, but more commonly 30 cm. The maximum recorded weight is 3.0 kg.

Behavior

They lead a solitary and sedentary life. Often these fish lie motionless on the bottom, well camouflaged, waiting for prey. Disturbed fish will quickly swim away in search of a new hiding place.

Food and feeding habits

Red scorpionfish feed on crustaceans, molluscs and fish. It hunts from ambush in the pre-dawn hours and at night. Relying mainly on its excellent camouflage, it waits for potential prey - small fish and crustaceans - to come close enough. It then snatches the prey at lightning speed.

Reproduction

Spawning takes place in late spring and summer. The spawn is a gelatinous, transparent mass.

Fishing

It is a commercial fish. When cooked, it has a decorative red colour and relatively soft flesh.

Relationship with a person

Several rays of the red scorpionfish's dorsal and anal fins are used as venomous stingers, which it exposes when in danger. This venom can also be fatal to humans. It causes immediate and severe pain that lasts for a long time.