Sebastapistes strongia (Cuvier, 1829) Barchin scorpionfish |
photo by
Field, R. |
Family: | Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes or rockfishes), subfamily: Scorpaeninae | |||
Max. size: | 9.5 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
Environment: | reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 37 m | |||
Distribution: | Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa (Ref. 4313) to the Society Islands, north to Taiwan, south to Queensland, Australia. | |||
Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-9; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 5-5. Lachrymal spines 2 (Ref. 37816). Description: Characterized by red to brownish color with white blotches and bars, often with broad zone of white across nape to pectoral region; lower jaw with dark and light bars; ctenoid scales; presence of palatine teeth; low spines on top of head; absence of occipital pit; no coronal spines; prominent head pores; tentacle above eye often present; depth of body 2.6 in SL (Ref. 90102). | |||
Biology: | Common in areas with mixed sand and rubble in reef flats, shallow lagoons and channels. Feeds on small fishes and crustaceans (Ref. 89972). A nocturnal species. Solitary and cryptic (Ref 90102). | |||
IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 05 March 2015 Ref. (130435) | |||
Threat to humans: | venomous |