Parascorpaena aurita (Rüppell, 1838)
Golden scorpionfish
Parascorpaena aurita
photo by Winterbottom, R.

Family:  Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes or rockfishes), subfamily: Scorpaeninae
Max. size:  15 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; brackish; marine; depth range 3 - 15 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Red Sea, Mozambique (Ref. 5285), and Papua New Guinea. Reported from East Asia, Yakushima Island as the northermost record (Ref. 82830).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-9; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 5-5. Description: Characterized by mottled greyish or brownish color; anterior part of soft dorsal fin with poorly defined dark spots; cycloid scales; in adult, posterior lacrimal spine directed anteriorly, ventrally or anteroventrally in juvenile; well separated first and second suborbital ridges, rear part of first ridge overlapping anterior part of second ridge; two spines posterior to orbit in suborbital ridge; well developed suborbital ridge from middle of orbit posteriorly, joining to enclose depression at rear interorbital; depth of body 2.5-2.9 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Found in shallow coastal lagoons, large intertidal pools or estuaries; also in silty reefs or amongst large coral rubble (Ref. 48635).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 05 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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