Scorpaenodes corallinus
| Scorpaenodes corallinus | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Division: | Teleostei |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Scorpaenidae |
| Genus: | Scorpaenodes |
| Species: | S. corallinus |
| Binomial name | |
| Scorpaenodes corallinus Smith, 1957 | |
Scorpaenodes corallinus, also called the coral scorpionfish, is a marine fish in the family Scorpaenidae.[1] Scorpaenodes is derived from the Latin word scorpaena, meaning a kind of sea fish, specifically the scorpionfish.[2]
Description
Scorpaenodes corallinus is distinguished by their red and brown coloration with white specks, white stripes from the pectoral fin to the dorsal fin, a single white stripe on the tail, and a protruding lower portion of the jaw.[3] Typical specimens are 4 inches in length.[4] Coral scorpionfish typically have 13 dorsal spines, 8 dorsal soft rays, 3 anal spines, and 5 anal soft rays, with a fusiform (normal) body shape. The dorsal and anal fins contain venomous spines.[5]
Distribution
Coral scorpionfish can be found in the tropical Indo-Pacific, including Australia, Indonesia, East Africa, Japan, Hawaiʻi, French Polynesia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya, the Seychelles, Loyalty Islands, and New Caledonia.[6]
Habitat
Coral scorpionfish typically inhabit live coral and coral reefs but can be found under rock slabs.[2] They have been reported from the surface to 70 feet (21 m), but are more common above 20 feet (6 m).[2] [4]
Behavior
Scorpaenodes corallinus exhibits solitary behavior. [2]
Reproduction
Scorpaenodes corallinus is dioecious and reproduces via external fertilization. They are non-guarders and leave eggs scattered in open water or on substrate.[2]
Diet
Coral scorpionfish feed on smaller aquatic organisms, including fish and crustaceans. [7]
Conservation
Coral scorpionfish are currently listed as “Least Concern” according to the IUCN Red List. This categorization means that coral scorpionfish are abundant and widely distributed, with no evidence indicating that they are endangered.[1]
References
- 1 2 "WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species - Scorpaenodes corallinus Smith, 1957". www.marinespecies.org. Retrieved 2025-11-07.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Scorpaenodes corallinus summary page". FishBase. Retrieved 2026-03-07.
- ↑ Hoover, John P.; Hoover, John P. (2008). The ultimate guide to Hawaiian reef fishes sea turtles, dolphins, whales, and seals. Honolulu: Mutual Pub. ISBN 978-1-56647-887-8.
- 1 2 "Coral Scorpionfish, Scorpaenodes corallinus". www.marinelifephotography.com. Retrieved 2026-03-07.
- ↑ Chou, Tak-Kei; Huang, Wen-Chien; Jhuang, Wei-Cheng; Liao, Te-Yu (2024). "Checklist and DNA Barcoding of the Scorpaenidae (Teleostei: Scorpaeniformes) in Taiwan". Zoological Studies. 63: e37. doi:10.6620/ZS.2024.63-37. ISSN 1810-522X. PMC 12399982. PMID 40900687.
- ↑ Hoshino, Kazuo; Sakurai, You; Motomura, Hiroyuki (2023). "First Japanese Records of the Indo-Pacific Scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae) Scorpaenodes corallinus, with a Re-evaluation of Coronal Spines as a Diagnostic Character". Species Diversity. 28 (1): 123–131. doi:10.12782/specdiv.28.123.
- ↑ "Scorpionfishes & Rockfishes, Family Scorpaenidae". www.marinelifephotography.com. Retrieved 2026-03-07.