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Grass scorpionfish (Scorpaena grandicornis) — Scorpaenidae

Grass scorpionfish

Scorpaena grandicornis
Family: Scorpaenidae
LC · Least Concern

The Grass scorpionfish (Scorpaena grandicornis) is a saltwater fish of the family Scorpaenidae that grows up to 30 cm.

Length
30 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–15.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

The plumed scorpionfish is a scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae) from the western Atlantic Ocean. The species has a stocky body with a large, spiny head and conspicuous, plumed skin flaps above the eyes, to which the name refers; its brown marbling provides excellent camouflage. It inhabits seagrass beds, grassy bays and channels, where it lies motionless on the bottom and moves only when disturbed. The dorsal, pelvic and anal fin spines are venomous; the wounds are extremely painful, but not fatal. Immerse a puncture wound in hot water and seek medical help if symptoms persist.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Grass scorpionfish?

The Grass scorpionfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Grass scorpionfish live?

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

How big does the Grass scorpionfish get?

The Grass scorpionfish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.

Is the Grass scorpionfish dangerous to humans?

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

Is the Grass scorpionfish edible?

The Grass scorpionfish is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Gepluimde schorpioenvis sourced
English name
Grass scorpionfish verified
Scientific name
Scorpaena grandicornis
Family
Scorpaenidae
Other names
Grass sorpionfish; Lion fish; Plumed scorpionfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
30.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown 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)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
15.0 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
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Scorpaena

More from the family Scorpaenidae

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