Scorpaenopsis vittapinna Randall & Eschmeyer, 2002
Bandfin scorpionfish
Scorpaenopsis vittapinna
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes or rockfishes), subfamily: Scorpaeninae
Max. size:  8.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 40 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Indo-Pacific: South Africa and the Red Sea to Fr. Polynesia; north to Japan; south to Australia
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 5-5; Vertebrae: 24-24. A broad dark band across soft portion of anal and pelvic fins. Maxilla extending posterior to a vertical at rear edge of orbit. Interorbital ridges low, flaring laterally to base of tympanic spines; no median interorbital ridge. Occipital pit shallow, its anterior edge inwardly curved. A small but deep suborbital pit. Suborbital ridge with 4 retrorse spines, the first on lacrimal; posterior points divided into 2 points (except in young). Supraocular tentacle varying from smaller than spine to as long as orbit diameter. Upper opercular spine usually double (may be divided into 3 or 4 points); lower opercular spine usually single (rarely double) (Ref. 42181). Description: Characterized by mottled grey to brownish red color; interorbital width 5.7-6.5 in head length; depth of body 2.7-3.2 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabits coral reefs and areas with rubble bottom (Ref. 42181).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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