Scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae)

 

 

The Scorpaenidae contains 65 genera with ca. 450 species. They inhabit tropical and temperate waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, although some species occur in the Atlantic Ocean. Most species live on or near the bottom at depths 1-2,200 m. The body is compressed, reddish brown, brown, red or white, barred or mottled; up to 108 cm in total length, although many species do not exceed 5 cm. The dorsal fins (and also pelvic and anal fins in some species) are coated with venomous mucus. Most species are ambush predators and feed on other fishes and crustaceans. The lionfishes (Pterois spp.) were introduced and became invasive in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.

 

		Red Lionfish (Pterois volitans)
		Spotted Scorpionfish (Scorpaena plumieri)
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