Madeira rockfish
The Madeira rockfish ("Scorpaena maderensis") is a species of scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae) in the genus "Scorpaena," found in the coastal waters of the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. This species reaches a length of around SL. The species was described by Achille Valenciennes in 1833 after a specimen from Madeira. Although "S. maderensis" is well represented in the areas that it is found, many key aspects of its biology are still unknown. Description. The Madeira rockfish grows between 4.8 cm (1.89 in) and 13.1 cm (5.16 in) and weigh between 1.7 and 48.1 g, with males being  larger in both categories. Females achieve their maximum size faster and live longer than males. The maximum recorded length for males and females is around 15 cm (5.91 in) and 9.0 cm (3.54 in) respectively. "S. maderensis"exhibits many similar characteristics to other "Scorpaena", such as spiny fins and a reddish-brown splotched color but there is a lack of sufficient specific information. However, one well-known similar characteristic is the presence venomous spines due to an anterolateral glandular grove containing venom. Venom from "Scorpaenidae" causes many health issues and can be fatal if not treated. Distribution and habitat. The Madeira  rockfish inhabits the littoral rocky coastal waters of the northwestern coast of Africa, the Mediterranean Sea and islands in the eastern Atlantic. "S. maderensis" is considered crypotbenthic, which describes fish that are benthic (living on in or on the seafloor) and cryptic (hiding in crevices or camouflaged). "S. maderensis" lives in the cracks and crevices of the rocky bottom, where it is able to hunt for prey and hide from predators. Gauging the abundance of "S. maderensis"throughout the entire Mediterranean Sea is difficult due to lack of data; however extensive research has been done in the Cyclops Protected Marine Area  off the coast of Sicily, and "S. maderensis" was found to be the dominant species in that area. There seems to be conflict on the preferred depth of "S. maderensis" as some research says 20 to 40m depth, while some finds it mostly above 7m and dropping off at 13m. This discrepancy is due to lack of data collected on "S. maderensis", making it difficult to pinpoint a concrete depth range. Feeding habits. The Madeira rockfish feeds primarily on benthic and epibenthic crustaceans (decapods, amphipods and isopods), while sometimes consuming algae, gastropods, polychaetes and other fishes. Many  of the organisms that "S. maderensis" consumes are considered rare or unimportant (the target prey of very few other species), showing that "S. maderensis" feeds on a wide variety of species along the trophic spectrum. S. maderensis also has a “strong individual feeding specialization," meaning that consumption varies from individual to individual because "S. maderensis" are opportunistic feeders, preying on whichever organisms happen to be around them. Feeding of "S. maderensis" follows a seasonal trend, with higher intensity in the winter months and lower intensity in the summer months. Relationship to humans. The Madeira rockfish is a target species of  the artisanal fisheries along the coasts but is in no danger of overfishing or extinction. While "S. maderensis" may not be in any danger, the artisanal fisheries may have a negative effect on its reproduction capabilities. Due to their venomous spines they can injure divers, fisherman and the casual swimmer if correct precautions are not taken.