How to Identify Small Red Scorpionfish

To identify Small Red Scorpionfish (Scorpaena notata), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Highly variable, ranging from reddish-brown to mottled grey, often with darker blotches and bands that aid in camouflage. The ventral side is typically lighter. Fins often have darker spots or bands.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Robust, compressed body with a large head., Numerous dermal flaps, cirri, and spines on the head and body, enhancing camouflage., Large, upward-pointing mouth., Prominent supraorbital tentacles (often branched)., A distinct dark spot (ocellus) on the spiny dorsal fin between the 7th and 10th spines, though sometimes faint or absent in larger individuals., Pectoral fins are large and fan-like, often with dark bands.

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin with 12 venomous spines and 8-10 soft rays. The spiny and soft-rayed portions are deeply notched.

Tail fin

Caudal fin is rounded or slightly truncate, typically with 10-12 rays.

Pectoral fin

Large, fan-shaped pectoral fins with 16-19 rays, often reaching beyond the anus.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin with 3 venomous spines and 5-6 soft rays. Pelvic fins thoracic with 1 spine and 5 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Size

   Relatively small for a scorpionfish, rarely exceeding 20 cm in total length, distinguishing it from larger species like Scorpaena scrofa.

2. 2

   Dorsal Fin Spot

   Presence of a dark spot (ocellus) on the spiny dorsal fin, usually between the 7th and 10th spines. This spot can be a key identifier, though it may be faint or absent in some individuals.

3. 3

   Supraorbital Tentacles

   Prominent, often branched tentacles above the eyes are characteristic. The number and branching pattern can vary but are generally well-developed.

4. 4

   Dermal Flaps

   Numerous skin flaps and cirri on the head and body, contributing to its excellent camouflage and helping to differentiate it from smoother-bodied scorpionfish species.

5. 5

   Pectoral Fin Rays

   Count of pectoral fin rays (16-19) can be a useful diagnostic feature when examining specimens.

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