About Scorpaena papillosa (Schneider & Forster, 1801)
Taxonomy and Size
Scorpaena papillosa, formally described by Schneider & Forster in 1801, reaches a maximum total length of around 30 centimeters. It has a large mouth filled with small, thin teeth arranged into velvety villiform bands.
Fin Structure
This species has 12 dorsal spines, 9 to 10 soft dorsal rays, 3 anal spines, and 5 soft anal rays. It also features a small row of spines located beneath the eyes, and three spines along the margin of its gill cover.
Distribution
Scorpaena papillosa is distributed in the Indo-West Pacific, specifically occurring in New Zealand and southern Australia. It inhabits marine, demersal temperate waters at depths between 5 and 50 meters (16 to 164 feet).
Habitat
It can be found across a range of environments including rocky bottoms, shallow estuaries, muddy waters, offshore kelp beds, and shallow seagrass beds. Juvenile Scorpaena papillosa are sometimes encountered in large rock pools.
