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Adam's scorpionfish (Parascorpaena mcadamsi) — Scorpaenidae

Adam's scorpionfish

Parascorpaena mcadamsi
Family: Scorpaenidae
LC · Least Concern

The Adam's scorpionfish (Parascorpaena mcadamsi) is a saltwater fish of the family Scorpaenidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
7.0–40.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

McAdam's scorpionfish is a small scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has a stocky, red-brown mottled body with skin appendages that camouflage it excellently among coral and rock. By day it stays hidden in crevices of the reef; it is usually seen only at night, when as an ambush hunter it springs on small crustaceans and small fishes. The dorsal, pelvic and anal fin spines are venomous and give a painful puncture wound; treat a sting with hot water.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Adam's scorpionfish?

The Adam's scorpionfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Adam's scorpionfish live?

The Adam's scorpionfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Adam's scorpionfish get?

The Adam's scorpionfish grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Adam's scorpionfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Adam's scorpionfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Adam's scorpionfish edible?

The Adam's scorpionfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Mozaiek-schorpioenvis sourced
English name
Adam's scorpionfish verified
Scientific name
Parascorpaena mcadamsi
Family
Scorpaenidae
Other names
McAdam's scorpionfish; Ocellate scorpionfish; Ocellated scorpionfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
7.0 verified
Max depth (m)
40.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Parascorpaena

More from the family Scorpaenidae

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