Japanese shortspined scorpionfish (Scorpaena brevispina)

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 5; Vertebrae: 24. This species is distinct with the following set of characters: pectoral-fin rays 17; longitudinal scale rows 44; scales below lateral line 13; scale rows between last dorsal-fin spine base and lateral line 6; gill rakers 17; anteroventral surface of body and base of pectoral fin covered with exposed scales; no tentacles on the anteroventral surface of lower jaw; anterior surface of preocular spine with 3 vertical or slightly oblique ridges (autapomorphic for the species); lateral surface of maxilla no distinct longitudinal ridge; with lateral lacrimal spine; additional small spines behind anterior lacrimal spine; occipital pit extremely deep; dorsal view of occipital pit rectangular, length distinctly less than width (length 53.3% of width); many small papillae on surface of occipital pit; relatively long pectoral fin (33.3% of SL), its posterior tip extending beyon

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