Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body elongate, somewhat compressed; head with many spines and ridges, spiny hard ridge below eye (suborbital stay) to preopercle; color red to orange with brownish mottling; brown, green or yellowish spots on body, most fins with spots; 3-4 large dusky blotches on back and sides; dark pigment on inside of pectoral fin, some pectoral rays branched; 3rd dorsal fin spine not elongated. |
Similar Species |
This is the only scorpionfish with 3-4 dark blotches on back and side. Similar in color to the barbfish, but the barbfish has 2 broad vertical bars on its caudal fin. The longspine and highfine scorpionfishes have an elongated 3rd dorsal fin spine, and their pectoral rays are never branched. |
Habitat |
Gulf, deep waters, hard bottoms |
Maximum Size |
40 cm (15 1/2 in) |
Fin Element Counts |
D. XII,10(rarely 9); A. III,5 (explain) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
Fin spines are venomous, handle with care. |
State size/bag limits |
None; Check for state record. |