Scorpaenodes kelloggi (Jenkins, 1903)
Kellogg's scorpionfish
Scorpaenodes kelloggi
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes or rockfishes), subfamily: Scorpaeninae
Max. size:  5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 6 - 24 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: East Africa to the Hawaiian, Line, and Society islands, north to Taiwan, south to northern Australia (Ref. 33390); throughout Micronesia (Ref. 1602).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 13-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7-8; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 5-5. With spotted caudal fin (Ref. 4313); 3-4 spinous points on suborbital ridge (Ref. 37816); interorbital spines present; no small spines at midline between tympanic spines (Ref. 10482). Description: Characterized by mottled reddish brown color; frequently with four diffuse dark bars on body, another at base of caudal fin; dark bars radiating from eye; absence of coronal spines; depth of body 3.0-3.4 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Occurs in coralline areas from near shore to the outer reef slope at a depth of at least 24 m (Ref. 57406). Benthic (Ref. 58302). Anterolateral glandular groove with venom gland (Ref. 57406).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  venomous


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