Yellowspotted Scorpionfish

Sebastapistes cyanostigma, commonly known as the yellowspotted scorpionfish, coral scorpionfish, or pink and yellow scorpionfish, is a marine ray-finned fish species within the Scorpaenidae family, known for its members' scorpionfish designation. This species inhabits the Indo-Pacific region and achieves a length of up to 10 centimeters.

The species was initially described in 1856 under the designation Scorpaena cyanostigma by Pieter Bleeker, a noted Dutch physician, herpetologist, and ichthyologist. The type locality was identified as Kajeli on Buru, part of the Molucca Islands in 🇮🇩 Indonesia. The species name, cyanostigma, is derived from the Greek words 'cyano,' meaning 'blue,' and 'stigma,' meaning 'mark' or 'spot,' which refers to its distinct pearly or light-blue body spots.

Sebastapistes cyanostigma exhibits 12 spines and 9 to 10 soft rays in its dorsal fin and possesses 3 spines alongside 5 to 6 soft rays in its anal fin. While the maximum recorded standard length reaches 10 centimeters, a length of approximately 6.4 centimeters is more frequently observed. Its color palette ranges from pinkish to reddish, accented by small whitish spots and prominent yellow blotches, complemented by its yellowish fins.

This species displays a broad distribution across the Indo-Pacific, from the 🌊 Red Sea and East African coastlines to as far east as 🇹🇴 Tonga, northward to southern 🇯🇵 Japan, and extending south to northern 🇦🇺 Australia. In 🇦🇺 Australia, it is prevalent at the offshore reefs of Northundefined, Ashmore Reef in the Timor Sea, the northern stretches of the Great Barrier Reef, and other significant reefs in the Coral Sea extending to North Stradbroke Island in Queensland, alongside sightings at Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Sebastapistes cyanostigma typically inhabits depths of 2 to 30 meters in reef crests characterized by rich coral growths, particularly in surge areas.

Ecologically, Sebastapistes cyanostigma functions as a nocturnal ambush predator. During the day, it primarily seeks refuge within coral heads, especially those of the genus Pocillopora. At night, it adopts strategic positions to ambush prey, often operating in pairs or small groups with spacing of 10 to 20 centimeters between individuals. Its diet consists of small fish, crustaceans, and zooplankton, which it captures with swift, forward lunges while seldom venturing outside reef shelters to avoid predation. The reproductive behavior of the species suggests oviparity, akin to related scorpionfish, with females releasing internally fertilized eggs that float near the surface. Observations of group formations during spring could indicate mating behavior. The presence around fire corals of the genera Millepora and Stylophora has also been documented. Notably, this species possesses venomous fin spines, and its prey is secured in its comparatively large mouth.