Scorpionfish
Scorpaena scrofa
Sighting evidence at Cristo degli Abissi, Portofino
Photo: luismartinezartola · CC BY-NC
Large red scorpionfish are master ambush predators that blend almost perfectly with the encrusted rock around the Cristo statue, sitting motionless for hours waiting for prey. Their venomous dorsal spines make them a species to observe but never touch, and their cryptic coloration rewards the observant diver who pauses to look carefully at each rock. Portofino's reserve protection means individuals here grow to impressive sizes rarely seen in fished Mediterranean waters.
Evidence at this site
No confirmed records on file at this site
Scorpionfish is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.