Eastern Red Scorpionfish - Scorpaena cardinalis

Type: Fish
Location: QLD, NSW
Family: Scorpionfishes
Name: Eastern Red Scorpionfish
Scientific Name: Scorpaena jacksoniensis (Steindachner, 1866)
Other Names: Billy Bougain, Cardinal Scorpionfish, Coral Cod, Coral Perch, Fire Cod, Northern Scorpionfish, Ocean Perch, Prickly Heat

Description: A marble-patterned fish with colouring that ranges from light grey to bright red, with light bands, can be observed. It also has small black dots on its chest. It is very well hidden, especially when resting near sponges. They usually sit motionless, waiting to ambush prey but stalk prey, especially at night. They inhabit crevices, underneath rocks and caverns from deep offshore to coastal reefs. They have even been known to move up into upper silty regions of estuaries. The Red Rockcod has twelve dorsal spines, which are toxic. The toxin can be denatured by hot water, yet the excruciating pain can last for half a day.

Size: length 40 cm (maximum)
Diet: fishes, crustaceans