Sebastapistes fowleri (Pietschmann, 1934)
Pigmy scorpionfish
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes or rockfishes), subfamily: Scorpaeninae
Max. size:  4.7 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 61 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Mauritius and the Comoro Islands to Pitcairn, north to the Hawaiian Islands.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 5-5. Eye not extending above the dorsal profile of the head. Large pores of the cephalic lateralis system, nasal pore above and adjacent to posterior nostril with a very small retrorse nasal spine (may be absent) on its upper edge. Low ridge like spines dorsally on the head. Preocular spine embedded; sphenotic spines absent or embedded; and postorbital spines absent. Posterior lacrimal spine projecting slightly anteriorly, and a single spine posteriorly on the suborbital ridge with a pore-associated spine just below the ridge under the posterior third of the eye (Ref. 48236). Description: Characterized by reddish color, finely mottled with white; pair of diffused dark bands radiating from eye; ctenoid scales; depth of body 2.5-2.9 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Found in areas with rubble or mixed sand and rubble, within or near coral reefs (Ref. 48236, 58302). Benthic (Ref. 58302). Feeds on small fishes (Ref. 89972). Venomous spines (Ref. 1602). Solitary (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 05 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  venomous


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