Scorpaena papillosa – Red Rock Cod

Scorpaena papillosa – Red Rock Cod

Scorpaena papillosa was first described by German physicists Johann Gottlob Schneider and Johann Reinhold Forster in 1801. This fish belongs to the family Scorpaenidae, known as the scorpionfish or rockfish. The family Scorpaenidae consists of several genera, including the genus Scorpaena, which contains approximately 64 species.

The genus name Scorpaena is derived from the ancient Greek word “skórpaina”, which means scorpion. This refers to the scorpionfish Scorpaena scrofa , which is known for its venomous spines on its dorsal fin that can cause a painful wound similar to a scorpion’s sting. The species name “papillosa” means “papilose” and refers to the fleshy tentacles along the pored lateral line of the fish.

Synonyms: Helicolenus papillosus, Scorpaena ergastulorum, Ruboralga ergastulorum.

Description

Scorpaena papillosa has a robust body with a maximum length of about 30 centimeters. The head and flanks are usually dark brown to black, sometimes with a reddish tinge. The fish has a network of dark scale edges on the body and fewer filaments on the body, usually a single row of small filaments along the lateral line. The fins are often yellowish-brown with many small black spots on the soft rays.

Differences between males and females: No obvious physical differences between males and females have been described. Behavioral differences have also not been specifically documented.

Behavior and temperament: This species of fish is generally shy and cryptic, meaning they are good at hiding in their environment. They are solitary and are often found at the bottom of their habitat, where they hide among rocks and coral.

Toxicity of the Fins of the Red Rock Cod

The fins of Scorpaena papillosa are equipped with venomous spines that can inject a powerful venom. These spines are mainly located on the dorsal, anal and pelvic fins. The venomous spines are covered in a sheath covered with skin and contain a pair of glands that secrete the venom. When mechanical pressure is applied, such as when touching or stepping on the fish, the venom is injected through grooves in the spines.

Injection of the Poison

Injecting the venom occurs when the fish’s spines penetrate the skin of a victim. The spines are hollow and connected to venom glands that force the venom out along the grooves of the spines. This mechanism ensures that the poison is injected deep into the victim’s tissue, causing immediate and intense pain.

Treatment of Poison Stings

First aid

1. Leave the water: The first thing you should do is leave the water to avoid further exposure to the fish.
2. Rinse the wound: Rinse the wound with salt water to remove dirt and toxin residue.
3. Hot water immersion: Immerse the affected area in hot water (no hotter than 45°C) for 30 to 90 minutes. This helps inactivate the poison and relieves pain.
4. Emergency services: Contact emergency services immediately to initiate further treatment!

Medical Treatment

1. Pain relief: If pain persists, medical attention may be needed. Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be administered. In severe cases, morphine or another strong painkiller may be necessary.
2. Wound care: The wound should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Any visible spines should be carefully removed to prevent further damage.
3. Antibiotics: In some cases, a course of antibiotics may be necessary to prevent infections, especially if there is a risk of infection from bacteria such as Vibrio vulnificus.
4. Antivenom: Although there is no specific antivenom for Scorpaena papillosa, stonefish antivenom (made from horse plasma) can sometimes be used due to the similar biochemical properties of the toxins.

Emergency measures

1. Recognition of serious symptoms: Look for signs of serious systemic reactions such as respiratory distress, hypotension, and cardiac arrhythmias. In such cases, immediate medical attention is necessary.
2. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): In extreme cases, CPR may be necessary if the victim shows signs of cardiac arrest.

It is important to act quickly and appropriately in the event of a sting from a poisonous fish such as Scorpaena papillosa to prevent serious complications and to manage the pain.

Biotope

Scorpaena papillosa is found in the Indo-West Pacific, particularly New Zealand and southern Australia. They live in temperate waters at depths of 5 to 50 meters. Their natural habitat consists of rocky bottoms, shallow estuaries, muddy waters, offshore kelp beds and shallow seagrass beds.

The bottom of their habitat usually consists of rocks and mud. They have natural enemies such as larger predatory fish, but they are also hunters themselves who feed on various invertebrates and other fish.

Diet

In the wild, Scorpaena papillosa feeds on various invertebrates, including crustaceans, and other fish.

In the aquarium, they can be fed a diet of live or frozen crustaceans, small fish and other meaty foods. It is important not to give food that is too large to swallow or that quickly becomes contaminated.

They are not reef safe, because they can eat coral, polyps and shrimp.

The Aquarium

The aquarium for Scorpaena papillosa should be at least 1500 liters for a single specimen. Multiple pairs require a larger aquarium, preferably 3000 liters or more. The aquarium should be furnished with rocks and hiding places to mimic their natural habitat. A sand or fine gravel substrate is most suitable.

The water values should be stable with a temperature between 15 and 22 °C, a pH of 8.1-8.4, and a salinity of 1,020-1,025. The aquarium must be well-matured before introducing this species to allow algae to grow and create a stable environment.

They can live well with other peaceful fish such as clownfish, gobies, and blennies, but not with aggressive or very active species.

Breeding aquarium and conditioning

There is no specific data on breeding Scorpaena papillosa in an aquarium.

Particularities

Scorpaena papillosa is a species often confused with Scorpaena jacksoniensis due totheir overlapping ranges and similar appearance. However, S. papillosa has a more marked network of dark scale edges and fewer filaments on the body.

Conclusion

Scorpaena papillosa is an interesting and challenging fish species to keep in an aquarium due to their specific habitat and diet requirements. They are not suitable for beginners due to their need for a stable and well-appointed environment. It is important to mimic their natural behavior and diet to ensure their well-being

Although shy and cryptic, they can be a fascinating addition to a well-maintained aquarium with proper care and attention

Video

Author

John de Lange

Copyright images

Doug Anderson