Scorpaena porcus (Black scorpionfish)

Scorpaena (L = Scorpion); porca (L = pig).

Max length : 37.0 cm T; common length : 15.0 cm TL

The head has conspicuous branched fleshy flaps, particularly above the eyes and at the anterior nasal openings, but none on the lower jaw nor on the free edges of the scales or along the lateral line and the back; upper jaw without a conspicuous longitudinal ridge; two pores are present under the chin behind the junction of the lower jaws; back and sides are brown, marbled with irregular darker bands and patches. Large head, armed with numerous spines and crests, strong venomous spines in the anterior portion of the dorsal fin, wide mouth with very small teeth and the large, rounded pectoral fins with upper rays branched and lower ones simple; behind the eyes, the profile of the head shows a pronounced depression. (2)

Sexual dimorphism has not been observed in this species, except in the period closely before ovulation, when the abdomen of the females became swollen due to the expansion of the egg mass.

Eastern Atlantic: British Isles to the Azores, and the Canary Islands, including Morocco, the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea. Solitary and sedentary. Common among rocks and algae. Found at depths of 1 - 800m.

Alkaline, 8.3 or more.

12^oC - 26^oC (20^oC) - A winter (16^oC) summer (20^oC) annual cycle is beneficial to all temperate salt water animals, especially the ones which live close to the surface.

Salinity : 1.028 to 1.031

Feeds on small fishes (gobies, blennies), crustaceans and other invertebrates.

This fish is better kept on its own in a species tank, due to its feeding habits and predatory nature.

None really. Scorpaena porcus individuals may coexist with large fish but they may either kill them or be killed by them. This fish will also feed on invertebrates and crustaceans.

Stone formations with overhangs so it can retreat during the day or after feeding.

A 200 L tank is sufficient for one specimen, 300L for two. They are not great swimmers and they do not grow too large. Some hostility against conspecifics may be observed.

Compared with other fish the activity level of this family tends to be extremely low.

Most do well in aquariums but some require live food. Venomous fish, with a very painful sting due to a neurotoxin. Thermal inactivation of the poison is possible; if stung leave your hand under running hot water.

Not reported in captivity. In the wild, eggs are covered with a mucilaginous membrane. The fish reaches sexual maturity when it becomes 3 years old, rarely when it becomes 2 years old.