General Description

Body elongate, compressed; head rounded to squarish, with a deep groove or notch on top behind eyes; a large erectile spine below eye; spinous part of dorsal fin very long; pectoral fins large. Colour variable, often mottled tan above with lower side of head dark; a dark band across rear part of the body; tail base and rear of dorsal and anal fins pale; small black spots and creamy white patches scattered on body and fins; eye ringed with red. To 19 cm.

Biology

These bizarre, nocturnal ambush predators are very well camouflaged and rarely seen. Their fin spines are venomous.

Habitat

Rocky reefs in bays and along the coast, often under jetties and piers, in depths of 3-22 m.

Reefs

Distribution guide

Southern Australia.

Species Group

Fishes › Scorpionfishes

Depth

Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

19 cm

Harmful

Venomous spines can inflict mild to severe pain.

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Conservation Status

• DSE Advisory List : Not listed
• EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
• IUCN Red List : Not listed