Coccotropsis gymnoderma (Gilchrist, 1906)

Common Name and General Traits

This species, commonly called the smoothskin scorpionfish, is a small, well-camouflaged fish.

Fin Ray Counts

It has 14 to 16 spines and 5 or 6 soft rays in its dorsal fin, and 3 spines and 3 to 6 soft rays in its anal fin.

Body Coloration

Its body is orange, with a distinct cream patch on the rear portion.

Maximum Recorded Size

The maximum recorded total length of this fish is 50 mm.

Head and Dorsal Fin Appearance

Its head has a pleated, wrinkled appearance, and the dorsal fin is lined with spines.

Head Color Variation

Occasional specimens may have a pinkish head.

Distribution and Depth Range

The smoothskin scorpionfish is endemic to the South African coast, where it is only found between the Cape Peninsula and Algoa Bay, at depths from 9 m to 110 m.

Habitat and Visibility

It is common on reefs, but is rarely seen due to its cryptic camouflage and sedentary behavior.

Social Behavior

It is typically not solitary.

Venomous Trait

Like other members of the waspfish family, this species is extremely venomous, and contact with it should be avoided.

Research Gap

Little is known about the life history or ecology of this species.