Home · Scorpaenidae · Lowfin scorpionfish
Lowfin scorpionfish (Scorpaenodes parvipinnis) — Scorpaenidae

Lowfin scorpionfish

Scorpaenodes parvipinnis
Family: Scorpaenidae

The Lowfin scorpionfish (Scorpaenodes parvipinnis) is a saltwater fish of the family Scorpaenidae that grows up to 14 cm.

Length
14 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
3.0–49.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Lowfin scorpionfish is a scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae) from reef water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 14 cm and has a stocky body with a large, spiny head, skin flaps and a camouflage pattern that blends in among coral and stones. The body is brown-red mottled. As an ambush predator it lies motionless and engulfs passing fish and crustaceans with a sudden suction strike. The dorsal spines are venomous and can give a very painful puncture wound.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Lowfin scorpionfish?

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

Where does the Lowfin scorpionfish live?

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

How big does the Lowfin scorpionfish get?

The Lowfin scorpionfish grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.

Is the Lowfin scorpionfish dangerous to humans?

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

Is the Lowfin scorpionfish edible?

Yes, the Lowfin scorpionfish is commonly eaten.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Kleinvin-schorpioenvis sourced
English name
Lowfin scorpionfish sourced
Scientific name
Scorpaenodes parvipinnis
Family
Scorpaenidae
Other names
Coral scorpionfish; Lowfin scorpionfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
14.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
3.0 verified
Max depth (m)
49.0 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

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
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

Same genus Scorpaenodes

More from the family Scorpaenidae

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →