Scorpionfish are a predatory fish that leads a bottom-dwelling lifestyle. It has become widespread in the coastal zones of the Eastern Atlantic, off the coast of Australia, and in the Mediterranean Sea. These individuals spend most of their time hunting from cover. They have a very unusual appearance, which is required to disguise themselves as stones covered with plants. The sharp spines that are present on the fins are a formidable weapon.
Description of the fish
Scorpionfish are small individuals, measuring no more than 30 centimeters.They are distinguished by a large head and a short body. The tail is small. Moreover, the fins are quite large and have developed rays. The dorsal fin is divided into 2 parts by a notch. The anterior component includes 7-17 rays, which have turned into small spines, the posterior component contains only one spine.
Also, 2-3 spines are present in the anal fin and one each in the ventral fins. Each of them includes 2 grooves along which mucus flows. It is produced by glands near the base of the spine. The poisonous teeth of snakes have a similar structure.
Scorpionfish contain a bony bridge under the eye. It is needed to protect the head. There are also small spines on the cheeks of individuals. However, they are not poisonous. The eyes of fish are bulging. In this they are similar to toads and frogs. The mouth of scorpionfish is large and, when necessary, opens very wide.
Pisces resemble snakes in another important way. The fact is that these individuals shed. From time to time they change their cover. In particular, the Black Sea scorpionfish sheds monthly. Like snakes, it completely sheds its skin in the form of a stocking.
However, the main distinguishing feature of these fish is the multiple growths that cover their body. They can develop to varying degrees, from short tufts that resemble moss to branched structures that resemble algae. In addition, the fish is characterized by a variegated color.
Many species of scorpionfish have a red-brown body. However, the abundance of small lines, spots and stains makes the pattern very rich. Due to this, the fish becomes invisible against the backdrop of coral reefs.
The lacy scorpionfish is characterized by a very variable color. Among the representatives of this species there are individuals of different colors - red, yellow, black.They come in single color and multi-colored. Female and male fish have the same appearance.
The scorpionfish lacks a swim bladder, which provides buoyancy to the fish. Therefore, this individual is forced to lead a bottom-dwelling lifestyle. Most of the time it lies at the bottom, but sometimes swims from place to place.
These fish are predators that attack from ambush. Such individuals are difficult to distinguish against the background of the landscape. In addition, they are able to burrow into the ground so that only their eyes remain on the surface. That's why they are so convex.
Scorpion fish awaits its prey in ambush. When prey comes into view, the fish quickly opens its mouth and swallows it. Because these individuals attack small animals, they swallow them whole. The victims of scorpionfish are usually shrimp, small fish and cephalopods - primarily squid.
Deep-sea species of scorpionfish and night hunters find their prey due to the developed lateral line, which is located on the head. Due to this, predators are able to detect water vibrations produced by the prey and determine its location even in complete darkness.
Scorpionfish eggs are laid in portions in the form of mucus balloons. They rise to the water surface, breaking up into individual eggs. Over time, larvae emerge from floating eggs. At first they are near the surface of the water. However, as the larvae mature, they descend to the bottom layers.
Habitat
Scorpionfish live in tropical and subtropical zones of the planet. Many such fish live in the Philippines, on the islands of the Malay Archipelago, and in Thailand. One of the most northern species is the Black Sea scorpionfish, which is also called the sea ruff. She lives in the Black Sea.
In general, all individuals are found only in salt water. At the same time, their favorite habitats are coastal areas and shallow waters of coral atolls. Moreover, some species can be found at depths of up to 2 thousand meters.
These individuals spend most of their time motionless. They are at the bottom and wait for prey. At the same time, scorpionfish swim quite rarely and over short distances. They can make quick bursts when necessary. Such individuals lead a solitary lifestyle. Some of the fish are active only at night.
Fishing Features
You can catch scorpionfish from the shore or from a boat. In this case, you need to swim to a depth of at least 3 meters. It is best to do this in the morning and evening. Coastal sea waters with coral, shell and rocky bottoms are suitable for fishing. You can also catch scorpion fish on the slopes of coral reefs.
Gear selection
Scorpion fish live in the waters of the Black Sea and many others. For successful fishing, it is important to properly prepare your gear. In this case you need to have the following:
- fishing line 0.4 mm thick;
- sinker weighing 50-100 grams;
- leash 0.3 mm, swivel mount;
- 2 hooks No. 5-9 – it all depends on the bait used;
- large foam float.
For catching scorpionfish from the shore, a float tackle is suitable. At the same time, it is recommended to use donka at night. As a sinker, you should use a thick wire rolled into a ring. It should have sealed edges. It is recommended to throw several donks at night. This must be done to a depth of 40-80 meters.
When fishing from a boat, it is recommended to use a spinning rod, which has a sensitive tip. At the same time, he himself must be quite tough.The line reserve on the reel is 50 meters. It can be inertial or non-inertial. A regular sinker can be replaced with a V-shaped reinforcement, the length of which is 20-30 centimeters. This shape eliminates the possibility of snagging on stones and algae.
What bait to use
When fishing for scorpionfish in the sea, it is permissible to use a variety of types of bait. The most suitable options include:
- small crabs;
- pieces of sardines or other fish;
- shrimps;
- mussels;
- raw or boiled rapana meat.
Fishing technique
Features of scorpionfish fishing depend on a number of factors - first of all, on the gear used. Using a nautical circle or bet does not cause any particular difficulties. Such gear is usually used for vertical fishing. When using a spinning rod, you need to lower the bet to the bottom, take out the slack to achieve tension, and wait for a bite. When using a marine circle, the ring on the rope must be lowered to the bottom. After which the tackle needs to be checked after 20 minutes.
If a spinning rod is used to catch scorpionfish, the bite manifests itself in the form of a series of short pulls. This is followed by a pronounced jerk. If we talk about bites on a circle, the fish simply greedily grabs the bait and hooks itself. If you miss a scorpion fish bite on a spinning rod, it will drag the tackle under a stone. In this case, a break will occur. When using a mug, things are different. In this case, the prey itself is detected. However, a short leash prevents the scorpionfish from moving into a crevice or under a stone. Therefore, the gear does not break.
Getting fish out of the water is not difficult. Difficulties arise for the fisherman when the scorpionfish ends up on the shore.It is imperative to follow safety rules with this fish. You need to be very careful when removing the predator from the hook. Otherwise, there is a risk of getting stuck on its poisonous thorns. Injection with them leads to severe pain. The poisonous glands of the individual are located near the first ray of the ventral fin. They are also located near the base of all the anterior rays of the dorsal fin and the first three rays of the anal fin.
There are many options for removing the hook from the mouth of this fish. One of the most accessible methods is to press the scorpionfish to the ground or the bottom of the boat with the handle of a fishing rod, grab it by the lower jaw with a clamp and remove the fins using scissors. Only after this is it allowed to pull the hook out of the mouth.
Danger of fish to humans
It is important to consider that scorpion fish are among the top 10 most dangerous representatives of the Earth's ichthyofauna. A prick from its thorn is not fatal, but is considered quite painful. Such damage often causes pain, swelling of the affected area and redness. In some people, scorpionfish venom entering the body causes nausea and vomiting.
When an angler is struck by a thorn from this predator, it is important to immediately determine the affected area and remove the thorns from there. After this, it is necessary to squeeze out as much blood as possible from the wound. Then it is recommended to wash the wound. To do this, you should use hydrogen peroxide or sea water.
Features of meat
The sea ruffe is characterized by dense white meat, which has a sweetish taste. It includes a small number of small bones. The product brings great benefits to the body:
- The minimum fat content and abundance of useful components makes scorpionfish meat a valuable product that can be included in the diet.
- If you eat 100 grams of fish, you will be able to cover the body's daily need for chromium, which is required to maintain normal sugar levels. In addition, this product improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system. With its help, it is possible to maintain the functioning of the nervous system and strengthen the structure of bone tissue.
- Scorpionfish contains a lot of phosphorus, zinc and fluorine.
- The abundance of vitamin PP in fish makes it useful for regulating cholesterol levels. This element strengthens the heart and blood vessels, supports tissue respiration, and improves liver function.
Scorpionfish is a rather interesting fish that has become widespread throughout the world. Its body is covered with poisonous thorns, injections of which can lead to dangerous consequences for health. Therefore, it is important to be careful when catching this predator.
