Scorpaenodes parvipinnis (Garrett, 1864)
Lowfin scorpionfish
Scorpaenodes parvipinnis
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes or rockfishes), subfamily: Scorpaeninae
Max. size:  14 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 49 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Red Sea to the Marquesan and Tuamoto islands, north to the Ryukyu and Hawaiian islands, south to Lord Howe Island.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 13-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 5-6. Interorbital area and snout scaled; small spines at midline between tympanic spines frequently present; interorbital spines present; extra spines usually present on upper rear margin of eye after supraocular spine; dorsal spine, usually non longer than orbit diameter; body often covered with small skin flaps (Ref. 10482). Distinguished from other species of Scorpaenodes by having suborbital ridge with more than 5 spinous points, usually with 10 or more in adults (Ref. 10482). Description: Characterized by having generally mottled reddish to brown color; anterior body frequently has large white area; caudal peduncle with pale bar; presence of coronal spines; depth of body 2.7-3.0 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabits areas of rich coral growth from near shore to the outer reef slope (Ref. 4313). Benthic (Ref. 58302). Cryptic. Venomous spines (Ref. 4313). Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 30874.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  venomous


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