Spotted Scorpionfish

The Spotted Scorpionfish is the largest scorpionfish species found in the Western Atlantic, capable of reaching up to 18 inches in length. It is a master of camouflage, displaying a heavily mottled pattern of brown, red, grey, and tan that perfectly mimics the algae-encrusted rocks and coral rubble of its habitat. The body is adorned with numerous fleshy tabs and filaments, particularly around the head and jaw, which further break up its outline. When startled, it may display the brightly colored inner surfaces of its large pectoral fins as a warning to potential threats.

In the wild, Scorpaena plumieri is found throughout the Caribbean and Western Atlantic, from Massachusetts to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and Bermuda. It inhabits coral reefs, rocky shores, seagrass beds, and even mangrove-lined channels at depths from the shallows to about 55 meters. As a top ambush predator, it remains perfectly still on the substrate, relying on its extraordinary camouflage to ambush prey including small fish, crabs, shrimp, and octopus that venture too close.

In the aquarium, the Spotted Scorpionfish is a hardy and impressive predator that adapts well to captive conditions. It is highly venomous, with dorsal spines that can deliver an intensely painful sting, so extreme caution is essential during any tank maintenance. Its large adult size requires a minimum tank of 180 gallons. Despite its aggressive feeding behavior, it is docile toward non-prey-sized tankmates and makes a dramatic centerpiece in a predator-themed FOWLR setup.