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Scorpionfish

Marine life profile

Scorpionfish

Recorded at 3075 dive sites

Where divers encounter it

Explore Scorpionfish around the world

The Scorpaenidae (also known as scorpionfish) are a family of mostly marine fishes that includes many of the world's most venomous species. It trusts camouflage, remaining still until prey passes close enough for a sudden suction strike.

Dive sites3075
Countries81
Animal groupReef Fish
Safety profileVenomous

Meet the species

What to look for

How to Recognize It

A broad-headed fish covered in mottled flaps and texture that breaks up its outline against reef or rubble.

How It Behaves

It trusts camouflage, remaining still until prey passes close enough for a sudden suction strike.

Special Ability

Its body can visually disappear into algae, sponge and broken coral while venomous spines discourage contact.

Dive responsibly

Share the water well

How to Approach

Move slowly at the same depth, avoid swimming directly at it and let the fish resume its normal behavior.

Safety

Do not touch or rest on the bottom. Several scorpionfish carry medically significant venom in their dorsal spines.

Worth knowing

The detail you remember

Interesting Facts

As their name suggests, scorpionfish have a type of "sting" in the form of sharp spines coated with venomous mucus.

Where to Find

Look around coral structure, rocky reef, wrecks and current lines where shelter and food meet.

Known countries

IndonesiaCambodiaPhilippinesMexicoUnited StatesEgyptThailandIndiaMaldivesSint MaartenFranceGrenadaTurkeyGreece