How big is the Black scorpionfish?

Black scorpionfish (Scorpaena porcus) reaches 15–35 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Black scorpionfish?

Black scorpionfish is found between 1–800 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Black scorpionfish?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Black scorpionfish?

Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.

Black scorpionfish (Scorpaena porcus)

Key facts

Scientific name: Scorpaena porcus
Common name: Black scorpionfish
Category: Fish
Family: Scorpaenidae
Genus: Scorpaena
Size: 15–35 cm
Depth: 1–800 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Venomous
Habitats: rocky, reef, seagrass
Behaviours: solitary, ambush-predator, camouflage
Ocean zones: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean

Description

Scorpaena porcus reaches 35 cm. Stocky brown to greenish body with spectacular camouflage that makes it nearly invisible on rocks and in seagrass. Skin appendages around eyes and mouth. Ambush predator. Carries venomous dorsal spines: very painful sting, redness, swelling, possible fever. Very common from the surface to 800 m. Never place a hand blindly on the reef.

Photo of Black scorpionfish

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Black scorpionfish?: Black scorpionfish (Scorpaena porcus) reaches 15–35 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Black scorpionfish?: Black scorpionfish is found between 1–800 m deep.
Is the Black scorpionfish dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Venomous.
What is the conservation status of the Black scorpionfish?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Black scorpionfish?: Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.

Other species in the genus Scorpaena

Other species in the family Scorpaenidae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 127247)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2334600)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia