Scorpaena brasiliensis Cuvier, 1829
Barbfish
Scorpaena brasiliensis
photo by Martins, I.A.

Family:  Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes or rockfishes), subfamily: Scorpaeninae
Max. size:  35 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 100 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: Virginia, USA and northern Gulf of Mexico to Brazil; not occurring in Bermuda.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 5-5. Occipital pit present; two spines on part of preorbital overlapping maxillary; supplemental preopercular spine present; dark brown spots on inner part of pectoral fin (Ref. 13608).
Biology:  Commonly found in bays, harbors, and on the continental shelf. Inhabits soft bottoms. Traded as an aquarium fish at CearĂ¡, Brazil (Ref. 49392).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 21 August 2012 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  venomous


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