Stone Scorpionfish

Scorpaena mystes is a scorpionfish species found in shallow water and seaweed-covered reefs as well as on open, sandy areas between 1 and 85 m depth. An opportunistic predator, this cryptic fish lies unseen on the reef top waiting for small fishes to pass by. Although the flesh is of excellent quality, it is not utilized commercially due to its venomous spines.

Description

The Stone Scorpionfish have spine-laden compressed elongated oval-shaped bodies that taper at both ends that has a body depth that is 36% to 40% of standard length. They vary significantly in color but are a more or less uniform drab mottled mixture of gray, brown, red, orange, green, and black. They have conspicuous barbells under their mouth and abundant skin flaps over their head and body, which afford them the appearance of a seaweed-encrusted rock. Their caudal fin is rounded, ragged, and has dark bars. A key to identification is that the base of their very large pectoral fins are dark with white spots arranged below (see photograph below). Their dorsal fin typically has 1 prominent black spot. They have disproportionately large mouths. Their head is very bony with numerous spines and is as broad as it is deep, it is covered with numerous skin flaps, it has medium-sized eyes, and there are shallow depressions (pits) before and after their eyes and a deep pit behind their eyes; the ridge below their eyes has 3 or 4 spines. Their anal fin has 3 spines and 5 or 6 rays; their dorsal fin has 12 spines and 9 or 10 rays; and, their pectoral fins have 18 to 21 rays. Their bodies are covered with large smooth scales. Max length is 45,7 cm, common length is 30,4 cm.

The Stone Scorpionfish cannot be confused with any other species due to its large head, numerous head skin flaps, and white spotting on the underside of its pectoral fin base.

Distribution

Eastern Pacific: Southern California through the Gulf of California to Chile, plus the Revillagigedos, Galápagos, Cocos and Malpelo Islands.

Habitat

Found in shallow water and seaweed-covered reefs as well as on open, sandy areas between 1 and 85 m depth.