Scientific Name
Scorpaena pepo
Common Name
Pumpkin scorpionfish
Biology
Dorsal
spines
(total): 12;
Dorsal
soft rays
(total): 9;
Anal
spines: 3;
Anal
soft rays: 5;
Vertebrae: 24. This species has the following combination of characters: 16 pectoral-fin rays; 46-48 longitudinal scales series; embedded cycloid scales covering anteroventral surface of body and pectoral-fin base; lateral line sloping steeply downward above anterior 1/2 of pectoral fin; posterior margin of maxilla extending well beyond a vertical through posterior margin of orbit; well developed median interorbital ridge, its highest portion greater in height than interorbital ridges; a single spine on the lateral surface of lacrimal; anterior lacrimal spine with an
additional spine; posterior lacrimal spine simple; suborbital spines 3, posterior end of 1st suborbital spine base below eye between posterior margins of pupil and orbit; space between upper and lower opercular spines not covered with fleshy skin; supraocular tentacle shorter than pupil diameter,1.7-3.9% (mean 3.1%