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Titan scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis cacopsis) — Scorpaenidae

Titan scorpionfish

Scorpaenopsis cacopsis
Family: Scorpaenidae

The Titan scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis cacopsis) is a saltwater fish of the family Scorpaenidae that grows up to 51 cm.

Length
51 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
4.0–60.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Titan scorpionfish is a scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae) from reef water of the reef waters around Hawaii. The species grows to about 51 cm and has a stocky body with a large, spiny head, skin flaps and a camouflage pattern that blends in among coral and stones. It is one of the largest scorpionfish, red-brown 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 Titan scorpionfish?

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

Where does the Titan scorpionfish live?

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

How big does the Titan scorpionfish get?

The Titan scorpionfish grows to a maximum of about 51 cm.

Is the Titan scorpionfish dangerous to humans?

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

Is the Titan scorpionfish edible?

Yes, the Titan scorpionfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Titan-schorpioenvis sourced
English name
Titan scorpionfish sourced
Scientific name
Scorpaenopsis cacopsis
Family
Scorpaenidae
Other names
Jenkin's scorpionfish; Red nohu; Titan scorpionfish; Uglyface scorpionfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
51.0 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
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
4.0 verified
Max depth (m)
60.0 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
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 verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Scorpaenopsis

More from the family Scorpaenidae

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