Scorpionfishes, lionfishes, rockfishes, stingfishes, stonefishes, and waspfishes are the common names for the members of the Scorpaenidae family. They are found in all tropical and temperate seas. They have 8 to 18 strong venomous dorsal spines and numerous head spines. Most species are strongly camouflaged. Most of them are red, reddish brown, or brown in colour, and usually have barred or mottled colour patterns that are typically darker dorsally. Scorpaenidae are difficult to be distinguished and may be mistaken to their close relatives such as the Triglidae, Platycephalidae, Caracanthidae, and Aploactinidae.
The Scorpaenidae family contains the world's most venomous fishes. Their dorsal, anal, and pelvic spines usually bear venom gland. Potential fatal wounds may be inflicted by their sharp fin and head spines. Most species live on or near the bottom and are strongly camouflaged. They are excellent ambush predators feeding mostly on crustaceans and fishes. A few species are pelagic and semipelagic occurring offshore.
There are 26 genera and about 215 species worldwide. Malaysia has about 16 species.
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Scientific Name: Pterois volitans (Linnaeus, 1758 ) English Name: Red Lionfish, Red Firefish Local Malay Name: Ikan Depu Belang Zebra Remarks: Poisonous - Beware of all Scorpionfish. They can inflict a painful injury with it's venomous sting.  Scientific Name: Scorpaenopsis oxycephala (Bleeker, 1849) English Name: Tassled Scorpionfish, Smallscale Scorpionfish Local Malay Name: Ikan Depu Sengat Janggut Size: Maximum standard length about 30 cm, commonly 25 cm. Remarks: Poisonous - Beware of all Scorpionfish. They can inflict a painful injury with it's venomous sting.  Scientific Name: Scorpaenopsis venosa (Cuvier, 1829) English Name: Raggy Stonefish Local Malay Name: Ikan Depu Sengat Bintik Remarks: Poisonous - Beware of all Scorpionfish. They can inflict a painful injury with it's venomous sting.  |