Home · Scorpaenidae · Eschmeyer's scorpionfish
Eschmeyer's scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis eschmeyeri) — Scorpaenidae

Eschmeyer's scorpionfish

Scorpaenopsis eschmeyeri
Family: Scorpaenidae

The Eschmeyer's scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis eschmeyeri) is a saltwater fish of the family Scorpaenidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
7.6 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–24.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous

Description

Eschmeyer's scorpionfish is a scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae) from the western Indian Ocean. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a stocky, red-brown mottled body with numerous skin flaps and a large, spiny head, with which it camouflages well among coral and stone. The dorsal, pelvic and anal spines are linked to venom and a sting is very painful. As an ambush hunter it snaps passing small fish and crustaceans. Handle with care.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Eschmeyer's scorpionfish?

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

Where does the Eschmeyer's scorpionfish live?

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

How big does the Eschmeyer's scorpionfish get?

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

Is the Eschmeyer's scorpionfish dangerous to humans?

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

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
Eschmeyers schorpioenvis sourced
English name
Eschmeyer's scorpionfish sourced
Scientific name
Scorpaenopsis eschmeyeri
Family
Scorpaenidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.6 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)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
24.0 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
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 Scorpaenopsis

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 →