Madeira Scorpionfish [Scorpaena maderensis]
Description
The Madeira Scorpionfish is a marine fish species in the family Scorpaenidae. It is found in the Eastern Atlantic from the British Isles and the North Sea to Morocco, Madeira, and the Canary Islands. It prefers rocky or sandy substrates and is usually found at depths between 20 and 500 meters. The Madeira Scorpionfish is a sedentary species that hunts by ambush, feeding mainly on crustaceans and small fishes. It is distinguishable by its red to brownish color and venomous spines.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Fish
Actinopterygii
|
| Order |
Scorpionfishes and Flatheads
Scorpaeniformes
|
| Family |
Scorpionfishes
Scorpaenidae
|
| Genus |
Red Scorpionfishes
Pontinus
|