Parascorpaena picta (Cuvier, 1829)
Northern scorpionfish
Parascorpaena picta
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes or rockfishes), subfamily: Scorpaeninae
Max. size:  17.9 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range - 15 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: restricted to Southeast Asia and Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 5-5. Description: Characterized by mottled red to brown or greenish brown color; iris with reddish bands; lips with light and dark bars; branched upper pectoral rays in adults; cycloid scales; adult with posterior lacrimal spine directed posteriorly, ventrally or anteroventrally in juvenile; fused first and second suborbital ridge, forming a single ridge; two blunt spines behind level of orbit in suborbital ridge; occipital pit well developed; short blunt snout in large rounded head; depth of body 2.5-2.8 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabits littoral rocky bottom (Ref. 559), and in protected bays on silty substrates among debris (Ref. 48635). Solitary among crevices of coastal reefs to 15 m (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 03 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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