Scientific Name
Scorpaenodes xyris

Common Name
Rainbow scorpionfish

Biology
A common but inconspicuous species (Ref. 9341). Found in cracks, crevices, under ledge overhangs and other recesses on rocky reefs, steep slopes, and especially on walls. Small individuals often stay near the protective spines of long spined urchin, Diadema mexicanum (Ref. 5227). Anterolateral glandular groove with venom gland (Ref. 57406).

Classification

Classified By

Jordan & Gilbert, 1882

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Scorpionfishes and Flatheads (Scorpaeniformes)

Family

Scorpionfishes or rockfishes (Scorpaenidae)

Distribution

Region

Eastern Pacific

Distribution

Eastern Pacific: California, USA to Peru and the Galapagos Islands.

Range

33°N -

Environment

Climate

Subtropical

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

0 m

Depth To - meters

30 m

Zone

reef-associated

Environment

Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 30 m (Ref. 5227)

Trophic Level

3.65 s.e. 0.58 Based on size and trophs of closest relatives

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

True

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

False

Occurs on Reefs

True

Is kept in Aquariums

False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

15.0 cm

Common Length

Unknown cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Unknown

Vulnerability

Low to moderate vulnerability (34 of 100)

Resilience

Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Threat To Humans

Venomous (Ref. 57406)

IUCN Red List Status

Least Concern (LC)