Tassled Scorpionfish

The Tassled Scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis oxycephala) is a commoonly-seen Scorpionfish in the Indo-Pacific region. Depending on the geographical location, its colour can vary. It's also known as the Smallscale Firefish/Goblinfish/Scorpionfish/Stingfish/rockfish, Flathead Scorpionfish,Tasseled Goblinfish/Rockfish, & Weedy Stingfish. Related to Stonefish, they are extremely well camouflaged and lay in wait to ambush passing prey. And they're highly venomous, but only for defence from predators.

Tassled Scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis oxycephala) Indonesia

Credit: Johan Folmeus

Tassled Scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis oxycephala) in Thailand

Credit: Helen Holmgren

A pair of Tassled Scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis oxycephala) at Richelieu Rock, Thailand

Credit: Helen Holmgren

Tassled Scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis oxycephala) Indonesia

Credit: Emmy Ahlen

Tassled Scorpionfish at Boonsung Wreck, Khao Lak, Thailand

Credit: Isabelle van Meir

Tassled Scorpionfish Scorpaenopsis oxycephala
Scientific Rank
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata (Chordates)
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Scorpaeniformes (Scorpionfish & Lionfish)
Family:	Scorpaenidae (Scorpaenidae)
Genus:	Scorpaenopsis (Scorpaenopsis)
Species:	Scorpaenopsis oxycephala
Size
Average Size:	30 centimetres