Large-Scaled Scorpionfish (Scorpaena Scrofa)

Latin name: Scorpaena scrofa
Common name: Large-Scaled scorpionfish
Also known as: Red scorpionfish
In other languages: E: Cabracho, F: Rascasse Rouge, D: Großer Roter Drachenkopf, Meersau
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Scorpaeniformes
Family: Scorpaenidae
Genus: Scorpaena

Habitat: A demersal species living over stones or sand away from immediate coastline in waters from 20 metres down to 70 metres ; juveniles also in seagrass meadows.

Behaviour: Predators, waiting patiently for the catch. Very inactive during the hours of daylight, preferring to use their perfect camouflage to lay in wait for prey. During the hours of darkness they become more the stalker hunter.

Diet: Fish, crustaceans and molluscs.

Shape: Plump body with scales.

Size: Common: 20 - 30cm, maximum: 66cm.

Colour: Rose-red to red with brown spots.

Did you know? Very well known to anglers and divers alike, they have venomous spines on their gill covers and their dorsal fin. The venom is active after death, so take heed (for treatment see Lesser Weaver). Out of all the venomous fish families within the Mediterranean this is undoubtedly the most common to encounter due to the habitat range. Because of this it is regarded by many as the worst. This species is the largest in this family.