Sebastapistes strongia (Cuvier, 1829)
Barchin scorpionfish
Sebastapistes strongia
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
Country info:  Also Ref. 90102.


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