Scorpionfish
Scorpaena porcus
Sighting evidence at La Vedova Reef, Tremiti Islands
The small scorpionfish or rascasse is a master of cryptic ambush on the reef top of La Vedova, sitting motionless on the gorgonian-covered rock and relying on its textured skin to merge perfectly with the substrate. Unlike Scorpaena scrofa it favours shallower, more complex terrain and is extremely common on the pinnacle's upper surface. Divers who look carefully at the gorgonian bases will find multiple individuals per square metre during close inspection.
Evidence at this site
No confirmed records on file at this site
Scorpionfish is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.