Scorpaenopsis oxycephala

Scorpion fishes and others

  • Small-scale scorpionfish
  • Fetzen-Drachenkopf
  • Poisson scorpion à tête plate
  • Pez escorpión de cabeza plana
  • Pesce scorpione tessellato

Distribution

  • The tropical Pacific
  • The Red Sea
  • The Indian Ocean

Environment and movement of the diurnal species

  • The species is generally observed on the reef or near it.
  • The species is generally motionless in its environment
  • The species is generally found on or close to the seafloor.
  • The species can be found between 1 and 60 Meters.
  • Rare species.
  • Imitates a rock or a coral.

General behaviour of the species

  • Species generally solitary
  • Imitates a rock or a coral.
  • The animal is rather indifferent to the diver, though it remains on its guard

General characteristics of the species

  • Maximum size : 35 cm
  • The animal is a hunter low in the food chain.
  • Diet : Fishes
  • The animal changes colour like a chameleon

Relationship with humans

  • The spines of the animal can be very dangerous
  • The species can be eaten but is of no particular culinary interest
The species can be confused with other species of similar appearance!