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Longhead scorpionfish (Lioscorpius longiceps) — Setarchidae

Longhead scorpionfish

Lioscorpius longiceps
Family: Setarchidae

The Longhead scorpionfish (Lioscorpius longiceps) is a saltwater fish of the family Setarchidae that grows up to 13 cm.

Length
13 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
180.0–410.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous

Description

The longhead scorpionfish is a deepwater scorpionfish (Setarchidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 13 cm and has a slender, reddish body with large eyes and stout head and fin spines, adapted to life on the continental slope. As a bottom-oriented ambush hunter it snaps at small crustaceans and small fish. The fin spines carry venom and can cause a painful sting; handle with care.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Longhead scorpionfish?

The Longhead scorpionfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly red-orange.

Where does the Longhead scorpionfish live?

The Longhead scorpionfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Longhead scorpionfish get?

The Longhead scorpionfish grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.

Is the Longhead scorpionfish dangerous to humans?

The Longhead scorpionfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Langkop-scorpioenvis sourced
English name
Longhead scorpionfish sourced
Scientific name
Lioscorpius longiceps
Family
Setarchidae
Other names
Slender scorpionfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
13.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
180.0 verified
Max depth (m)
410.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Setarchidae

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