Scorpaenopsis lactomaculata (Herre, 1945)
Whiteblotched scorpionfish
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes or rockfishes), subfamily: Scorpaeninae
Max. size:  28 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean.
Diagnosis:  Fourth or fifth dorsal spine usually longest (2.05-2.5) in head; occipital pit absent or very shallow; snout very long (2.7-3.0 in head length); space between opercular spines naked; first dorsal spine short (1.8-2.5) in length of second spine; supraocular and postocular spines broadly joined in adults (only tip of supraocular spine showing) and flaring outward to form a shelf over posterior half of eye (Ref 42181).
Biology:  Found in sandy or muddy bottoms. Taken occasionally by trawl.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 18 June 2017 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  venomous


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