Tassled Scorpionfish

Tassled Scorpionfish Facts

• First of all, the fascinating Tassled Scorpionfish remains an extremely dangerous species of ocean dwelling fish. Furthermore, this particular species represents one of roughly 100 types of known scorpionfish.
• In addition, the eye-catching species also possesses numerous venomous spines for use in its defense. The animal has evolved the ability to use these to deliver an extremely painful sting with great efficiency.
• Although it does not normally appear overtly aggressive, it must still be considered comparatively dangerous. This holds true due to the fact that unwary swimmers frequently step on individuals.
• Rather surprisingly, its numbers appear to be sufficiently stable, unlike many denizens of our oceans. Therefore, the IUCN currently lists this creature as a Species of Least Concern.

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Tassled Scorpionfish Physical Description

Firstly, the truly remarkable Tassled Scorpionfish attains an average length of about 14 in (25 cm). However, the majority of individuals do not attain this length. Further, it displays no noticeable degree of sexual dimorphism.

Also, the coloring frequently varies greatly among mature individuals.  In fact, the species appears to be a master of camouflage. Due to this ability, it often varies its color patterns to blend in with its particular surroundings.

However, the majority of colors displayed typically includes bright shades of red, orange, yellow, and white. Quite understandably, these particular colors typically reflect its surroundings.

Yet, these colors do not represent its most noticeable characteristic. That distinction goes to the remarkable spines it develops. But, these only appear on the underside of the chin of the mature adult.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Actinopterygii
• Order: Scorpaeniformes
• Family: Scorpaenidae
• Genus: Scorpaenopsis
• Species: S. oxycephala

Tassled Scorpionfish Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Most notably, the Tassled Scorpionfish evolved as endemic to both the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean. It also prefers to inhabit the slopes of coral reefs. These provide it numerous locations to lay in wait for its prey.

Furthermore, the species most commonly spends the majority of its time in the shallower sections of the ocean. Due to this pattern, individuals typically live at depths of no more than 115 ft (35 m).

Additionally, the animal primarily feeds on a variety of crustaceans and small fish. It has also evolved an incredibly fast method of attack. That’s because it opens its mouth wide, and creates a powerful suction.

This amazing ability literally draws the prey into its mouth, without its ever having to move. In most species of scorpionfish, this feeding process occurs more rapidly than the human eye can follow.

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