Guam Scorpionfish

Interesting Info

• Guam Scorpionfish are commonly found along the northern coast of Australia, from Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland and parts of northern New South Wales.
• The Guam Scorpionfish has a unique and intricate appearance. It has a stocky body with prominent spines on its head and along its back. Its coloration can vary, but it typically has a mottled pattern with shades of brown, red, and yellow, providing excellent camouflage among coral reefs and rocky habitats.
• They are carnivorous predators that prefer to remain stationary and relies on its camouflage to ambush unsuspecting prey. It mainly feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates that venture close enough to be snatched up with a sudden lunge.
• Despite their venomous spines, the Guam Scorpionfish is not an aggressive species towards humans unless provoked or mishandled.
• One notable characteristic of the Guam Scorpionfish is the presence of dark spots or ocelli on their fin rays. These spots are located on the soft-rayed portion of their dorsal and anal fins. The purpose of these spots is not entirely understood, but they may play a role in intraspecific communication or as a visual deterrent to predators.
• Breeding habits of the Guam Scorpionfish are not extensively documented, but it is believed that they reproduce through external fertilisation. Spawning likely occurs during warmer months, such as spring and summer, when water temperatures are higher.
• They have a relatively long lifespan, living up to 15 years. Their average lifespan is 7 – 10 years.