Fin's Fish Guide
The False scorpionfish (Centrogenys vaigiensis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Centrogenyidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Indo-West Pacific; rocky reefs and rubble bottoms of shallow coastal waters.
Description
The false scorpionfish is the only species of the family Centrogenyidae and occurs in the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a stocky, red-brown mottled body with a large, spiny head, strongly resembling the true, venomous scorpionfishes. That resemblance is a form of mimicry deterring predators, but unlike true scorpionfishes this species has no venom glands. It lives inshore on rocky reefs and rubble bottoms of shallow coastal waters. As an ambush predator it feeds on small fishes and crustaceans. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the False scorpionfish?
The False scorpionfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a marbled pattern. Mimics the venomous scorpionfishes (mimicry) but lacks venom glands itself; the only species in its family.
Where does the False scorpionfish live?
The False scorpionfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Indo-West Pacific; rocky reefs and rubble bottoms of shallow coastal waters.
How big does the False scorpionfish get?
The False scorpionfish grows to a maximum of about 25 cm. On average the species is around 9 cm.
Is the False scorpionfish dangerous to humans?
No, the False scorpionfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the False scorpionfish edible?
The False scorpionfish is rarely eaten.
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the False scorpionfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.