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Izu scorpionfish (Scorpaena izensis) — Scorpaenidae

Izu scorpionfish

Scorpaena izensis
Family: Scorpaenidae

The Izu scorpionfish (Scorpaena izensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Scorpaenidae that grows up to 45 cm.

Length
44.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
80.0–200.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous

Description

The Izu scorpionfish is a scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae) from coastal waters of the northwest Pacific, off Japan. The species grows to about 45 cm and has a stocky, red-brown mottled body with a large, spiny head and skin flaps, with which it camouflages on reef and rocky bottoms. The dorsal, pelvic and anal spines are linked to venom and a sting is very painful. As an ambush hunter it engulfs passing small fish and crustaceans. Handle with care.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Izu scorpionfish?

The Izu scorpionfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Izu scorpionfish live?

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

How big does the Izu scorpionfish get?

The Izu scorpionfish grows to a maximum of about 45 cm.

Is the Izu scorpionfish dangerous to humans?

The Izu 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
Izu-schorpioenvis sourced
English name
Izu scorpionfish sourced
Scientific name
Scorpaena izensis
Family
Scorpaenidae
Other names
Izu scorpionfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
44.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

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

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. 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

Same genus Scorpaena

More from the family Scorpaenidae

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