Overview
Smaller version of the red scorpionfish, very common on shallow reefs.
Identification
Spiny headBroad pectoral finsLarge mouthBony ridge above the eyesNumerous head spinesCamouflage colorationProminent eyesSpiny dorsal finlets
- Body
- Robust, flat body with a large, spiny head.
- Colouration
- Dark brown with irregular spots and bands on the body.
- Sexual dimorphism
- Absent/not prominent
- Growth
- Slow, with relatively slow growth over its lifespan.
Taxonomy
- Family
- Scorpaenidae
- Order
- Scorpaeniformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
Related species
Scorpaena scrofaScorpaena notataScorpaena cardinalisScorpaena maderensisScorpaena elongata
Habitat & distribution
- Environment
- coast, reefs
- Preferred bottom
- rock, reef, gravel
- Geographic distribution
- Found in the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic Ocean, from the Bay of Biscay to the Moroccan coast.
- Micro-habitat
- Lives in caves, crevices, and shaded areas of cliffs and coral reefs.
Often found in favorite spots, hiding among rocks waiting for prey.
Presence by sea area
Tirreno NordPeak
Tirreno CentroPeak
Tirreno SudPeak
Adriatico NordPeak
Adriatico CentroPeak
Adriatico SudPeak
Ionio NordPeak
Ionio CentroPeak
Sardegna OvestPeak
Sardegna EstPeak
Sicilia TirrenoPeak
Sicilia Ionio CanalePeak
Eu Mediterraneo OvestPeak
Eu Mediterraneo EstPeak
Eu Golfo BiscagliaPeak
Diet
- Primary prey
- small fish, shrimp, crustaceans
- Secondary prey
- crabs, mollusks, cephalopods
- Occasional prey
- worms, small rays, benthic invertebrates
- Feeding behaviour
- Carnivorous, hunting at dusk and night, often sits still waiting for prey.
- Natural predators
- moray eels, conger, some large predatory fish
Sit-and-wait predator, uses camouflage effectively.
Behaviour
- Activity
- nocturnal
- Social behaviour
- solitary
- Aggressiveness
- medium
- Migration
- Sedentary
- Seasonal behaviour
- Active year-round but favors calmer conditions in summer months.
- Juveniles
- Juveniles tend to hide among rocks or in seaweed for protection.
- Adults
- Adults are territorial and blend in among the rocks.
Reproduction
- Spawning season
- May, June, July
- Spawning depth
- between 20 and 60 meters
- Eggs
- Small, translucent pelagic eggs.
- Larval stage
- Planktonic larvae drift with currents until they find a suitable habitat.
- Sexual maturity
- 2-3 years
When to catch Black scorpionfish
Activity calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
PeakGoodLowInactive
Activity by season
Best times
Daymattino
Nightnotte
This species shows peak fishing activity in spring, summer and autumn, when the productivity index (FPI) reaches its highest values.
Ideal conditions
Atmospheric pressure
Low
Very active and less wary.
Medium
Regular activity.
High
Stays motionless among rocks.
Barometric trend
Water temperature
10°COptimal zone: 14-24°C27°C
Preferred tide: high
Where to catch it
Best spots
rocky reefsmixed bottomsartificial reefspiers and harbors
Bottom preference
Spot type
Fishing techniques
Recommended
handliningtrammel netspearfishingbottom fishing
Other applicable
BolentinoPesca A FondoBolentino MedioKabura Tai RubberLight Rock FishingRock FishingSlow JiggingVertical Jigging
Recommended baits
sandwormsshrimpwormsfish strips
Baits by pressure
Low
Jig head + softbaitSlow pitch jigInchikuKabura / Tai rubberMetal jig medio (40-100g)Paddle tail softbait
Medium
Calamaro interoGambero morto / GamberoPezzo di pesceStriscia di calamaroTrancio di sardinaEsca viva profondaFiletto di pesce
High
ArenicolaEsca naturale (generica)Verme coreano
Catch & handling tips
- Fight
- Generally not a strong fighter, but spines make handling tricky.
- Handling
- Use gloves to avoid venomous spines.
- Release
- Handle carefully and release quickly to minimize stress.
Curiosities & culture
- Record catches
- The black scorpionfish can reach a maximum length of about 37 cm and a weight of around 1 kg. In the Mediterranean, some impressive specimens have been noted, often caught by spearfishers along rocky coasts.
- In the kitchen
- Its meat is prized and used in fish soups and broths.
- Cultural notes
- Linked to danger legends among fishermen due to its venomous spines.
- Historical notes
- Valued by sailors for surviving in harsh environments and as an indicator of good fishing areas.
