Lowfin Scorpionfish

The Lowfin Scorpionfish (Scorpaenodes parvipinnis) is a marine species associated with reef environments, typically found at depths ranging from 3 to 49 meters. This species reaches a maximum length of 14 cm.

Key morphological features include a scaled interorbital area and snout, with small spines often observed along the midline between tympanic spines. Interorbital spines are present, and additional spines usually occur on the upper rear margin of the eye, posterior to the supraocular spine. The dorsal spines are generally not longer than the orbit diameter, and the body is frequently adorned with small skin flaps. A distinguishing characteristic of this species is its suborbital ridge, which possesses more than five spinous points, with adults typically exhibiting ten or more.

The Lowfin Scorpionfish inhabits reef areas characterized by abundant coral growth, ranging from coastal regions to the outer reef slopes. It is a benthic and cryptic species, equipped with venomous spines as a defense mechanism.

Geographically, the species is distributed across the Indo-Pacific region, from the 🌊 Red Sea to the Marquesan and Tuamoto Islands (🇵🇫 French Polynesia), extending northward to the Ryukyu and Hawaiian Islands, and southward to Lord Howe Island.