Scorpion Fish

Animals Unique | Scorpion Fish |  A scorpion fish is a group of predatory, marine fish are found amongst That coral reefs and in shallow waters in the more temperate Oceans. The scorpion fish is most closely related to the lionfish and is most commonly found in the Indian and South Pacific Oceans.

There are more than 200 recognised species of scorpion fish, hiding amongst the ocean in artificial reefs and aquariums around the world. Scorpion fish are kept in tanks by Numerous people Because of Their interesting appearance and behavior.

 

The body of the scorpion fish is Often That cover in feathery fins help the scorpion fish to camouflage Itself into the surrounding coral. The colors and markings of the scorpion fish are also used to help the scorpion fish to hide.

Scorpion fish are nocturnal predators, and spend the daylight hours resting in a hidden Crevice in the coral. Scorpion fish are also Able to Ambush Their Prey from this position and catch small fish Often by surprise.

 

Scorpion fish are omnivorous fish and hunt small fish, crustaceans and snails on the coral reefs. Scorpion fish are Able to stun prey with Their Their venom before eating it. Scorpion also use Their Venomous fish sting to Fend off unwanted predators.

 

The scorpion fish is a very dominant predator in it's environment, and therefore the scorpion fish has very few natural predators. The human catching the scorpion fish to keep in tanks is the biggest threat to the scorpion fish along with habitat loss from the destruction of coral reefs. Large fish and sea lions are also known to hunt scorpion fish.

 

The female scorpion fish releases Between 2.000 and 15.000 eggs into the water the which are fertilised by the male scorpion fish. The scorpion fish pair then hide so Quickly That Their eggs can float into the ocean before being spotted by predators eat the eggs That. The scorpion fish eggs hatch in just 2 days and the tiny scorpion fish fry near the surface of REMAIN the water until They are bigger. When the scorpion fish fry reach nearly an inch in length, They swim down into the ocean to join the reef community.

Scorpion Fish Facts
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Scorpaeniformes
Family: Scorpaenidae
Scientific Name: Scorpaenidae
Origin: Indian and Pacific Oceans
Diet: omnivore
Size (L): 14cm - 45cm (6in - 18in)
Water Type: Salt
Optimum pH Level: 8.1 - 8.4
Life Span: 10-15 years
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Colour: Brown, Black, Yellow, White, Red, Orange
Skin Type: Scales
Favourite Food: Fish
Habitat: Tropical reefs and rocky crevices
Average Clutch Size: 6.000
Main Prey: Fish, Crabs, snails
Predators: Large Fish, Humans, Sea Lions
Distinctive Features: Venomous sting and camouflaged body