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FISH GUIDE · Sea

Red scorpionfish: identification, habitat and fishing guide

Scorpaena scrofa

A large bottom-dwelling, camouflaged and spiny scorpionfish, distinct from other red scorpionfish.

Catalogue names : Rascasse rouge. Forms and names may vary between habitats.

Editorial review : · This species guide is not permission to fish. Read the precautions below and check the current rules for your location before targeting a species. Some species or populations are protected.

Geographical distribution

Documented presence includes: eastern Atlantic, from western European coasts to Cape Verde ; Mediterranean Sea ; Azores and Canary Islands.

  • Documented presence : eastern Atlantic, from western European coasts to Cape Verde
  • Documented presence : Mediterranean Sea
  • Documented presence : Azores and Canary Islands

Documented areas, not an exhaustive list. Presence in a region does not imply presence in every water body or permission to fish.

Distribution sources

Identification

Scorpaena scrofa has skin flaps below the jaw and a massive head. Red colouring alone is insufficient.

Habitat

Rocky and coralligenous bottoms in the Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic. Do not assume every cavity is occupied.

Diet

Crustaceans, molluscs and small fish.

Behaviour

A camouflaged ambush predator on the bottom. Stillness does not mean its spines are harmless.

Indicative biological size

An average of 30–40 cm according to DORIS; a descriptive range.

Fishing context and precautions

CNR describes bolentino fishing for Scorpaena scrofa from a boat near rocky bottoms, notably with squid strips; Nicolas Borreau also documents small soft lures. Indicative main bait method: at a spot and from a boat where fishing is permitted, prepare a terminal sinker and short snood with a single hook, attach a piece of squid and lower under control to near the bottom. Maintain contact without dragging through crevices, follow the bite and retrieve steadily. This single-hook simplification is editorial; no universal weight or hook size is established. If the line passes under the hull or snags repeatedly, retrieve and reposition. Prepare landing and the unhooking tool before bringing the fish up. Do not hold it with bare hands or spread the venomous spines, dangerous even after death; gloves or cloth do not guarantee protection. Ask for help if necessary.

A distinctive feature

The eggs are laid in a gelatinous mass.

Sources and review

Each reference includes its access date. Overall editorial review: . Local conditions and regulations may change.

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