Scorpaena cocosensis Motomura, 2004
photo by Motomura, H.

Family:  Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes or rockfishes), subfamily: Scorpaeninae
Max. size:  6.2 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 57 - 92 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: Cocos Island and Galápagos Arch.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-8; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 5-5; Vertebrae: 24-24. This species is distinguished by the following characters: D 8; pectoral-fin rays 22; well-exposed scales covers the anteroventral body surface; well-developed interorbital ridges, beginning just behind the nasal spines and diverging anteriorly and posteriorly in dorsal view; lateral margins of frontals diverging posteriorly in the dorsal view; occipital pit shallow with a distinct transverse ridge in front of pit; posterior lacrimal spine is directed ventroanteriorly; suborbital ridge with a small spine; no supplemental preopercular spine; the second preopercular spine reduced; upper posttemporal spine is directed upward; posterior margin of maxilla just reaching level with posterior margin of pupil; posterior tip of pectoral fin reaching level with origin of third dorsal-fin soft ray; head length large (48.8% SL); large orbit diameter (16.9% SL); interorbital space wide between supraocular spine bases (9.2% SL) (Ref. 53275).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 15 September 2022 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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