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Scorpaenopsis diabolus (Cuvier, 1829)
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Scorpaenopsis diabolus (Cuvier, 1829)
  • Photo. (c) 2022 Chris Mason-Parker.
Genus: ,

Scientific Name: Scorpaenopsis diabolus

English Name: False stonefish

Creole Name:

French Name: Poisson-scorpion diable

IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC)



Information

Description:

Dorsal spines: 12; Dorsal rays: 8-10; Anal spines: 3; Anal rays: 5-6.

Stout body with a large head and humped back. Dorsal fins short. Lachrymal bone with 2 or 3 spines over maxillary, first points forward, followed by 1 or 
by 2 close-set spines which point down and back. Suborbital ridge with 4 or more spinous points, usually more than 8 or 10 points, not in a row and of 
various sizes. Shallow pit situated at anterior corner of eyes. 

Colour: Variable colouration ranging from mottled white to red, orange and green, often blending in with surroundings. A large black spot on the bright 
yellowish-orange inner surface of the pectoral fin. 
 


Size:

Maturity: Unknown. Max length: 30.0 cm TL.
 


Habitat and Ecology:

Inhabits reef flats, lagoons and seaward reefs, often associated with weed and rocky bottoms (depth 1-70 m). Solitary or in pairs. Benthic, often partly 
buried, ambush predator. Piscivore. Flashes brightly coloured pectoral fins when threatened.
 


Fishery Status:

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


Notes:

Do not touch! Venomous. Venom is stored in glands located at the base of the dorsal spines.  
Photographed at northwest Mahé, Seychelles.


References:

Bray, D.J. (2018). Scorpaenopsis diabolus in Fishes of Australia, https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/2124 (27/09/22). 
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2022). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.de/summary/Scorpaenopsis-diabolus.html (27/09/22). 
Mason-Parker, C. et al. (2021). Scorpaenopsis diabolus in Reef Fishes of Seychelles. John Beaufoy Publishing Ltd, UK.
Motomura, H. & Matsuura, K. (2016). Scorpaenopsis diabolus. The IUCN Red List 2016: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T69918624A70009965.en. (27/09/22). 
 


Citation:

Mason-Parker, C. & Nevill, J.E.G. (2022). Scorpaenopsis diabolus, False stonefish. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc https://seatizens.sc/species/scorpaenopsis-diabolus-cuvier-1829/


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