Come identificare Black Scorpionfish

Per identificare Black Scorpionfish (Scorpaena porcus), osserva queste caratteristiche chiave.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo

compressed

Colorazione

Highly variable, ranging from dark brown, reddish-brown, to mottled grey, often with darker blotches and bands that aid in camouflage. The ventral side is typically lighter. Can change color to match its surroundings.

Tipo di squame

ctenoid

Posizione della bocca

superior

Caratteristiche distintive

Large head with numerous spines and dermal flaps (cirri), Large, upward-pointing mouth, Prominent supraorbital tentacles (cirri above the eyes), Absence of a pit on the suborbital stay (a key differentiating feature from some other Scorpaena species), Relatively small scales compared to other scorpionfish

Pinna dorsale

Single, long dorsal fin with 12 strong, venomous spines followed by 9-10 soft rays. The spiny and soft-rayed portions are continuous.

Pinna caudale

Rounded caudal fin, often mottled.

Pinna pettorale

Large, fan-like pectoral fins with 16-19 rays, often with dark spots or bands.

Pinne distintive

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

Consigli per l'identificazione

1. 1

   Head Spines and Cirri

   Observe the numerous spines and dermal flaps (cirri) on the head, particularly the prominent supraorbital tentacles above the eyes. The absence of a deep pit on the suborbital stay is a key identifier.

2. 2

   Coloration and Pattern

   Note the highly variable, cryptic coloration, typically dark brown to reddish-brown with mottling and darker blotches, allowing it to blend with rocky and algal substrates.

3. 3

   Dorsal Fin

   Count the dorsal fin spines (12) and soft rays (9-10). The continuous nature of the spiny and soft-rayed portions is characteristic.

4. 4

   Scale Size

   Compared to other scorpionfish, Scorpaena porcus has relatively small scales, which can be a subtle but useful distinguishing feature.

Esplora Black Scorpionfish