Hawaiian turkeyfish (Pterois sphex)

Scientific name: Pterois sphex Jordan & Evermann, 1903

The Hawaiian turkeyfish (Pterois sphex) is a marine fish of the family Scorpaenidae. Native range: Eastern Central Pacific, known only from Hawaii.

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-12; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 6 - 8. Pectoral rays all unbranched, very long and free from membrane distally; dorsal spines very long, some about as long as body depth. Ctenoid scales with about 50-55 vertical scale rows; coronal spines present; most head spines become multiple with growth. Lachrymal and suborbital bones densely covered with spines for specimen 10 cm SL. Supraocular tentacles banded with black, frequently tentacles absent in large specimens. Small specimens with fewer bars on pectoral and pelvic fins.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Pterois sphex
Family: Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes or rockfishes)
Order: Scorpaeniformes (Scorpionfishes and Flatheads)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 22.0
Depth range: 3–122 m (10–400 ft)
Environment: Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 3 - 122 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Eastern Central Pacific: known only from Hawaii.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Venomous
Uses: Aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)