Scorpaenopsis cacopsis Jenkins, 1901
Jenkin's scorpionfish
Scorpaenopsis cacopsis
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes or rockfishes), subfamily: Scorpaeninae
Max. size:  51 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 3,450.0 g
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 4 - 60 m
Distribution:  Eastern Central Pacific: Hawaii.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 5-5. Vertical scale rows 50-55; lachrymal bone with 2 spines over maxillary, first points down and forward, second points down and back, sometimes second split distally into 2 points; suborbital ridge usually with 5 spines, sometimes some spines split in larger specimens (Ref. 10482).
Biology:  This solitary species inhabits the outer edge of the reef (Ref. 583). Usually beneath ledges or near entrance to caves (Ref. 42181). Benthic (Ref. 58302). A prized food fish with population greatly reduced in main Hawaiian islands due to fishing pressure, especially by spear fishermen. Stomach contents include small fishes (holocentrid, acanthurid and Aulostomus chinensis) (Ref. 42181).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 05 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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