Tassled Scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis oxycephala) - Marine Life - Liveaboard Diving

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) Raja Ampat
Tassled Scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis oxycephala) Indonesia
Credit: Johan Folmeus
Tassled Scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis oxycephala) at Richelieu Rock
Tassled Scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis oxycephala) in Thailand
Credit: Helen Holmgren
A pair of Tassled Scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis oxycephala)
A pair of Tassled Scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis oxycephala) at Richelieu Rock, Thailand
Credit: Helen Holmgren
Tassled Scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis oxycephala) Indonesia
Tassled Scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis oxycephala) Indonesia
Credit: Emmy Ahlen
Tassled Scorpionfish
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

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