Red Scorpionfish - Scorpaena scrofa - Camouflaged on the Cirkewwa Seabed

A red scorpionfish (Scorpaena scrofa) resting among algae-covered rocks at Cirkewwa Marine Park, Malta.

This photograph shows a red scorpionfish (Scorpaena scrofa) resting almost motionless among algae and growth on the rocky seabed at Cirkewwa Marine Park, Malta. Its mottled red, orange, brown and pale colouring blends remarkably well with the surrounding marine vegetation, while the prominent dorsal spines and numerous fleshy appendages around the head help break up the outline of the fish. The red scorpionfish is a bottom-dwelling species found throughout the Mediterranean Sea and parts of the eastern Atlantic. It is generally solitary and sedentary, inhabiting rocky, sandy and muddy bottoms, where its excellent camouflage allows it to remain inconspicuous while waiting for prey. Its diet includes fish, crustaceans and molluscs. Scorpaena scrofa can reach approximately 50 cm in total length, making it the largest of the commonly encountered Mediterranean scorpionfishes. Divers should admire it without touching: the prominent dorsal spines are venomous and can cause a painful injury.