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Rhinopias eschmeyeri (Condé, 1977)
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Rhinopias eschmeyeri (Condé, 1977)
  • Photo. (c) 2022 Chris Mason-Parker
Genus: ,

Scientific Name: Rhinopias eschmeyeri

English Name: Eschmeyer’s scorpionfish

Creole Name:

French Name: Poisson-scorpion d'Eschmeyer

IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC)



Information

Description:

Dorsal spines: 12; Dorsal rays: 8-9; Anal spines: 3; Anal rays: 5.

Highly compressed body, upturned snout and eyes set high on top of the head. Flat, paddle-like skin flaps.Two 
tentacles on the underside of the lower jaw. Lacks tentacles on the below the eyes in anterior view and lacks distinct 
tentacles on the lateral surface of the body above the lateral line. Distal margin of the spinous portion of the dorsal 
fin without notches or very weakly notched. 

Colour: Individuals are a single uniform ground colour but this is highly variable between indviduals, including 
white, beige, reddish-brown, brown, pink, orange, and bright red orange. A small black spot, slightly greater than
pupil diameter, in the middle of the membrane between the seventh and eighth dorsal-fin soft rays. Black spot 
usually distinct, although sometimes faint in pale individuals. (Note: not distinct on specimens noted in Seychelles per 
obs C. Mason-Parker). Sometimes exhibit small white spots scattered on the head and fin membranes, with white narrow band 
along fin margins.


Size:

Maturity: Unknown. Max length: 23.0 cm TL.
 


Habitat and Ecology:

Inhabits coral reefs and rubble bottoms, often associated with macro-algae (10-55 m). A benthic species. Solitary 
and uncommon. Feeds on crustaceans and small fishes.


Fishery Status:

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is not typically subject to the artisanal fishery.
 


Notes:

Venomous. Venom is stored in glands located at the base of the dorsal spines. Do not touch.

Specimen shown here photographed off northwest Mahé, Seychelles.
 


References:

ALA. Rhinopias eschmeyeri Condé, 1977. https://bie.ala.org.au/species/https://biodiversity.org.au/afd/taxa/63fc9d57-5a4b-46e4-8338-8dbcc2a54e70 (07/10/22). 
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2022). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Rhinopias-eschmeyeri (07/10/22).
Mason-Parker, C. et al. (2021). Rhinopias eschmeyeri in Reef Fishes of Seychelles. John Beaufoy Publishing Ltd, UK.
McGrouther, M. (2021). Eschmeyer's Scorpionfish, Rhinopias eschmeyeri. https://australian.museum/learn/animals/fishes/eschmeyers-scorpionfish-rhinopias-eschmeyeri/ (07/10/22). 
Motomura, H. et al. (2018). Rhinopias eschmeyeri. The IUCN Red List 2018: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T114178035A115620847.en. (07/10/22).
Motomura, H. & Johnson, J.W. (2006). Validity of the Poorly Known Scorpionfish, Rhinopias eschmeyeri, with Redescriptions of R. frondosa and R. aphanes (Scorpaeniformes: Scorpaenidae). Copeia, 2006(3), pp. 500–515. 


Citation:

Mason-Parker, C. & Nevill, J.E.G. (2022). Rhinopias eschmeyeri, Eschmeyer’s scorpionfish. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/rhinopias-eschmeyeri-conde-1977/
 


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