Kingdom Animalia Family Scorpaenidae Genus Scorpaena Order Scorpaeniformes | Class Actinopterygii Phylum Chordata Rank Species | |
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Similar Grandfather hapuku, Scorpaena, Scorpaena colorata | ||
Scorpaena papillosa red rock cod on the ex hmas adelaide
Scorpaena papillosa, common name red rock cod is a venomous species of marine fish in the family Scorpaenidae, the "scorpionfish".
Contents
Common names
This species has numerous common names, including:
Description
Scorpaena papillosa grows to a maximum length of approximately 30 cm. Its large mouth contains small, thin teeth that form velvety bands (villiform). It has 12 dorsal spines, 9 to 10 dorsal soft rays, 3 anal spines, 5 anal soft rays, a small row of spines beneath the eyes, and a gill cover margin containing 3 spines.
Distribution
This species is found in the Indo-West Pacific, in New Zealand and southern Australia.
Habitat
Scorpaena papillosa lives in marine, demersal, temperate waters, at depths of 5–50 metres (16–164 ft). It can be found on rocky bottoms, in shallow estuaries, in muddy waters as well as other environments, such as in offshore kelp beds and shallow seagrass beds. Juveniles of this species are sometimes found in large rock pools.
Diet
This fish feeds on many different invertebrates, including crustaceans. It also eats other fish.