Family: Scorpaenidae, Scorpionfishes view all from this family

Description To 17" (43 cm). Elongate, rounded in cross section, slightly depressed; red to brown with spots overall. Head robust, with ridges; maxilla reaches middle of eye; palatine teeth present; snout rounded. Opercular and preopercular spines present. Pectoral fin large, broad, rounded; dorsal fin continuous, notched, 12 spines, 8-10 rays; caudal fin truncate. Lateral line straight; scales large, ctenoid.

Warning All of this fish's fin spines are venomous.

Similar Species Sculpins (Cottidae) lack anal fin spines. Rainbow Scorpionfish (Scorpaenodes xyris) lacks palatine teeth; has 13 dorsal fin spines; occurs in caves and crevices to depths of about 84' (26 m) from San Clemente Island, California, to Peru.

Habitat Shallow reefs and kelp beds to depths of 100 fathoms.

Range From Santa Cruz, California, to Uncle Sam Bank, Baja California; upper Gulf of California.

Discussion Unlike most other members of the family, this fish deposits eggs embedded in transparent, pear-shaped cases. It is considered an excellent food fish and makes up a minor portion of the southern California sport and commercial catch.