Kingdom Animalia Family Tetrarogidae Phylum Chordata Order Scorpaeniformes | Class Actinopterygii Scientific name Coccotropsis gymnoderma Rank Species | |
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Genus Coccotropsis
Barnard, 1927 Similar Scorpaeniformes, Glyptauchen panduratus, Centropogon, Tetraroge, South Australian cobbler | ||
The smoothskin scorpionfish (Coccotropsis gymnoderma) is the only member of the genus Coccotropsis. It is a member of the waspfish family (Tetrarogidae).
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Distribution
The smoothskin scorpionfish is only found off the South African coast from the Cape Peninsula to Algoa Bay in 9-110 m. It is endemic to this region.
Description
The smoothskin scorpionfish is a small, well-camouflaged fish, with an orange body having a distinctive cream patch to the rear. The fish may reach 50 mm in total length. The head has a pleated, wrinkled appearance and the dorsal fin has spines. The head may occasionally be pinkish.
Ecology
This fish is common on reefs but is seldom spotted due to its cryptic colouring and sedentary habits. It is usually not solitary.
In keeping with other members of the waspfish family, it is extremely venomous and contact should be avoided.