Pygmy Lionfish Scorpionfish

This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: pectoral-fin rays 14-16 (modally 15); scale rows in longitudinal series 44-51 (47); scales above lateral line 4-6 (5); scale rows between last dorsal spine base and lateral line 4-7 (6); pre-dorsal scale rows 4-8 (5); suborbital scale rows 0-4 (2); total gill rakers 15-19 (17); head length 38.3-43.1 (mean 40.2) %SL; orbit diameter 11.1-14.5 (12.4) %SL; upper-jaw length 18.6-21.5 (20.2) %SL; length of longest dorsal-fin soft ray 18.0-23.0 (20.2) %SL; length of longest anal-fin soft ray 21.0-27.0 (23.7) %SL; caudal-fin length 30.4-44.7 (35.7) %SL; posterior lacrimal spine usually directed posteriorly, not curved upward distally; spine(s) on corner of outer angular ridge not developed, size similar to other spines on ridge, directed ventrally; spines often absent on median lateral ridge of maxilla, rarely 1-3 spines present in large adults (>80 mm SL); a large number of small spots on caudal fin, 5-26 (mean 13.3) spots on longest caudal-fin ray (Ref. 93969).

Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 11; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 5 - 6

Lives in muddy habitat that are very sheltered and this is usually deep or very sheltered estuaries. Appears to be one of the more primitive forms and has similar coloration to some members of the genus Scorpaenodes, especially the markings on the head (Ref. 48635). Sometimes caught by trawl net (Ref. 559).