Rainbow scorpionfish (Scorpaenodes xyris)

Scientific name: Scorpaenodes xyris Jordan & Gilbert, 1882

Rainbow scorpionfish (Scorpaenodes xyris)

The Rainbow scorpionfish (Scorpaenodes xyris) is a marine fish of the family Scorpaenidae. Native range: Eastern Pacific, California, USA to Peru and the Galapagos Islands.

Biology

A common but inconspicuous species. Found in cracks, crevices, under ledge overhangs and other recesses on rocky reefs, steep slopes, and especially on walls. Small individuals often stay near the protective spines of long spined urchin, Diadema mexicanum. Anterolateral glandular groove with venom gland.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Scorpaenodes xyris
Family
Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes or rockfishes)
Order
Scorpaeniformes (Scorpionfishes and Flatheads)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
15.0
Depth range
0–30 m (0–98 ft)
Environment
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 30 m
Climate
Subtropical
Distribution
Eastern Pacific: California, USA to Peru and the Galapagos Islands.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans
Venomous
Resilience
Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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