Sebastapistes mauritiana (Cuvier, 1829)
Spineblotch scorpionfish
Sebastapistes mauritiana
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes or rockfishes), subfamily: Scorpaeninae
Max. size:  9.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 10 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: East Africa to the Marquesan and Rapa islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to the Great Barrier Reef and Samoa.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 5-5. Underside of head with weak dark bars; spinous dorsal normally with dark spot (Ref. 4313). Strong coronal ridges with spine; distinct occipital pit, deepening with age (Ref. 37816). Description: Characterized by red to greenish brown color with white blotches; ctenoid scales; presence of palatine teeth; slightly depressed interorbital space; two spines extending ventrally over upper lip in lacrimal; prominent head pores; depth of body about 2.8 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabits outer intertidal reef flats and shallow lagoon reefs exposed to wave action. 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:  Range extends to Saipan.


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