SCORPIONFISH
SCORPAENIDAE
Plumed Scorpionfish
Scorpaena grandicornis
    Ecological Descriptors
Habitat Size Diet Behaviour Sex 
S 15 Pisc, Cru Ter F
 
 
Description:
Long fleshy appendage (cirrus) above each eye, twice as long as diameter of the eye,  often biramate (forked) terminally. Shades of mottled brown. Three dark bars on tail. Numerous skin flaps on body. Two spines on snout extend upwards. White flecks in pectoral axil (not large as in the Spotted Scorpionfish).

Ecology
Inhabits seagrass beds, grassy bays and channels, depths of 1-30m (3-100ft). An ambush hunter, which moves only when disturbed.  It hosts algal and diatom growth on its body, which is thought to enhance its camouflaging capability.
Has numerous venomous spines: 12 Dorsal, 1 on each pelvic fin and 3 on the anal fin. Wounds inflicted are extremely painful, but not fatal.

Life Cycle
Oviparous egg layers. Eggs and larvae are pelagic.
Plumed Scorpionfish
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Plumed Scorpionfish
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Plumed Scorpionfish