Sailfinned Scorpionfish

Although the Sailfinned Scorpion Fish is small it is still very deadly to other fish. The Scorpion Fish carries venom in its dorsal fin which is what it uses against predators. This venom will kill most small fish and hurt most regular size fish (the venom if stepped on will not kill humans, but will hurt us pretty badly!). The venom is used primarily for defense, not for hunting. Most Scorpionfish are opportunistic predators, lying on the sea floor disguised as a rock. Its color makes it look almost identical to the ocean floor or to reefs where it is lying. There are seventeen species of Scorpion Fish and all of them are able to adapt themselves to living on the ocean floors. The Sailback Scorpionfish or Waspfish is a livebearer and may produce hundreds of young fry in a single brood.