This colourful fish gets its name from the long spines attached to various parts of its body. This fish has amazing mottled colouration and can change its colouration to blend in perfectly with its background. A top predator it gulps up crabs and fish with its huge mouth.
How to identify
Long spined sea scorpion has a large, bulbous head with a distinctive small barbel in each corner of the mouth. The body tapers down towards the tail, with large pectoral fins which sit behind the head. Colouration is usually mottled with pink, red and sandy blotches. This this species can adapt and blend in perfectly with the surrounding algae and encrusting organisms.
Did you know?
Unlike the Mediterranean scorpion fish, this species is not venomous.
How people can help
Always follow the Seashore Code when rockpooling, taking care where you walk and making sure you put animals and rocks back gently. Report any sightings to your local Wildlife Trust.
