About Scorpaena plumieri Bloch, 1789
This species, Scorpaena plumieri Bloch, 1789, has a robust body. Its dorsal fin has 12 spines and nine soft rays, and its pectoral fin has 18–21 fin rays. Venom glands are associated with the dorsal fin spines to defend against predators. It has a suborbital crest formed by infraorbital bones two and three, each bearing one or two spines. Under the eyes, it has fleshy plumes called "cirrae", with skin flaps around the chin and head. It has wide, fan-shaped pectoral fins, a continuous, notched dorsal fin, and a truncated caudal fin. Its maxilla extends beyond the eyes, its mouth is terminal, and it has a well-developed occipital pit. It is the largest scorpionfish in the Atlantic and Caribbean oceans. The largest recorded individual measured 45 centimetres (18 in) long; on average, this species grows to between 18 and 36 centimetres (7.1 to 14.2 in), and can reach a weight of 1.55 kilograms (3.4 lb). Its body colour ranges from brown to black over a light background, and the area directly before the caudal fin is abruptly paler. The head has dark spots, and the ventral surface is orange or red. Its fins have dark bands and spots on a light background, most often with green spots. The tail fin has dark bars across its middle and near its end. The inside of the pectoral fins is marked with white. When threatened, it extends its pectoral fins to display their bright colour. This species inhabits the western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Bermuda to Massachusetts, and from the northern Gulf of Mexico to southern Brazil. It is also found in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean around Ascension Island and St. Helena. It lives in shallow coral reefs and rocky areas, and is moderately common at depths between 5 and 55 metres (16–180 ft). It stays motionless on the lower substrate, waiting to ambush prey. Its reproduction is not well understood, but it is confirmed to be oviparous, with females producing transparent or greenish eggs.
