Weedy scorpionfish (Rhinopias frondosa)

Scientific name: Rhinopias frondosa G?nther, 1892

The Weedy scorpionfish (Rhinopias frondosa) is a marine fish of the family Scorpaenidae. Native range: Indo-West Pacific, South Africa (off Durban) east to southern Japan, the Caroline Islands, and eastern Australia.

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 5. Highly variable in color and in appendages in relation to habitat. Covered with appendages on algae reefs, but plain when deep with sponges. Body highly compressed and covered with weed-like tassels.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Rhinopias frondosa
Family: Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes or rockfishes)
Order: Scorpaeniformes (Scorpionfishes and Flatheads)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 23.0
Depth range: 13–90 m (43–295 ft)
Environment: Marine; reef-associated; depth range 13 - 90 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Indo-West Pacific: South Africa (off Durban) east to southern Japan, the Caroline Islands, and eastern Australia.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Venomous
Uses: Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)