Scorpaenopsis brevifrons
| Scorpaenopsis brevifrons | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Scorpaenidae |
| Genus: | Scorpaenopsis |
| Species: | S. brevifrons
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| Binomial name | |
| Scorpaenopsis brevifrons Eschmeyer & J. E. Randall, 1975
| |
Scorpaenopsis brevifrons, the bigmouth scorpionfish, is a species of venomous marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Scorpaenidae, the scorpionfishes. This species is endemic to Hawaiʻi.[2][3]
Description
The shortsnout scorpionfish has a blackspot, near its dorsal fin. It can be seen in many different colors, as its highly variable[4], such as red, pink, yellow, black, blue, and other color combinations.[3] These color variations helps it to camouflage around rocky areas and reef habitats.[5] It has a short snout, multiple dorsal spines, and venomous fin spines for protection against predators.[4] The pectoral fin rays range from 17-19, however, usually the fin rays aren't 19.[4] The snout length is 3.0 to 3.3 times to the head length, while its interorbital head width is 5.7-6.5 to the head length.[4] It typically feeds on smaller fishes and crustaceans.[6]
Distribution and habitat
The shortsnout scorpionfish is endemic to Hawaiʻi.[3] It inhabits inshore costal reef and sandy rubble areas around 40-100 feet at a temperature around 21-27°C.[4][6]
References
- ^ Motomura, H.; Matsuura, K. (2016). "Scorpaenopsis brevifrons". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016 e.T69918570A70009950. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T69918570A70009950.en. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
- ^ Randall, J.E and W.N. Eschmeyer, 2001. Revision of the Indo-Pacific scorpionfish genus Scopaenopsis, with descriptions of eight new species. Indo-Pac. Fish. (34):79 p.
- ^ a b c "Shortsnout Scorpionfish, Scorpaenopsis brevifrons". www.marinelifephotography.com. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
- ^ a b c d e Randall, John Ernest (2010). Shore fishes of Hawaiʿi. Honolulu: University of Hawaiʿi press. ISBN 978-0-8248-3427-2.
- ^ Hoover, John P.; Hoover, John P. (2008). The ultimate guide to Hawaiian reef fishes sea turtles, dolphins, whales, and seals. Honolulu: Mutual Pub. ISBN 978-1-56647-887-8.
- ^ a b "Fish Library: Scorpionfishes - Scorpaenopsis brevifrons". Saltcorner. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
| Authority control databases: National |
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