Scorpaena porcus Linnaeus, 1758

Size

Description: The black scorpionfish reaches a maximum length of around 37 cm (15 in), while most fully grown adults measure approximately 15 cm (6 in) long.

Head Features

It has a broad head, short snout, and an upward-angled mouth. A short tentacle sits just above its eye, and the head is also covered in various other shorter tentacles, spines, and skin flaps.

Fin Structure

Its dorsal fin has 12 spines and 9 soft rays, and its anal fin has 2 spines and 6 soft rays. The pectoral fins are large, oval-shaped, and have 16 to 18 rays.

Color Pattern

This fish is generally brownish overall, with a dark pigmented spot between the eighth and ninth dorsal spines. Its fins are mottled with brown, and the caudal fin has three vertical brown stripes.

Native Range

Distribution and habitat: The black scorpionfish is native to the eastern Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Black Sea. Its range extends south from the southern half of the British Isles to the Azores, the Canary Islands, and the northwestern coast of Africa.

Depth Range

It occurs throughout the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea, and can be found at depths down to around 800 m (2,625 ft).

Reproductive Traits

Reproduction: Little is known about the reproduction of the black scorpionfish. It is oviparous; females lay eggs that are enclosed in a transparent mucous mass, and spawning takes place sometime in July and August.