| Family: |
Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes or rockfishes), subfamily: Scorpaeninae |
| Max. size: |
45 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 1,550.0 g |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 70 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Atlantic: Bermuda, Massachusetts, and northern Gulf of Mexico to southern Brazil. Eastern Atlantic: Ascension and St. Helena. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 5-5. Occipital pit present; three to four spines on part of preorbital overlapping maxillary; large white spots on dark background on inner basal part of pectoral fin (unclear in specimens smaller than 3 cm SL) (Ref. 13608). |
| Biology: |
Found mostly in shallow coral reef and rocky areas. Lies motionless on the bottom (Ref. 9710). Feeds mostly on other fishes and crustaceans. Moderately common below about 5 m depth to at least 55 m. Displays characteristic bright white spots on dark background of pectoral axil when disturbed (Ref. 49392). Anterolateral glandular groove with venom gland (Ref. 57406). Eaten locally and said to taste a bit like chicken. Traded as an aquarium fish at Ceará, Brazil (Ref. 49392). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 14 July 2014 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
venomous |
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