Scorpaena guttata Girard, 1854
California scorpionfish
Scorpaena guttata
photo by Love, M.

Family:  Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes or rockfishes), subfamily: Scorpaeninae
Max. size:  43 cm TL (male/unsexed); max. reported age: 21 years
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 26 - 183 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: Santa Cruz in central California, USA to Punta Abreojos, Baja California; including northern Gulf of California and Guadalupe Island in Mexico.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Usually occurs in rocky areas of bays and along shore, especially in caves and crevices (Ref. 2850). Prefers depths less than 26 m (Ref. 121641). An excellent food fish (Ref. 2850). Venomous spines in the dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins (Ref 13513). Minimum depth range based on occurrence (Ref. 121641).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 01 May 2008 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  venomous


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