All fish / Scorpaenidae

Signal Scorpionfish

Iracundus signifer

Also known as signal scorpionfish, flag-fin scorpionfish, decoy scorpionfish, lure scorpionfish, flagfin scorpionfish

A small, mottled red and brown scorpionfish from rubble and sand reef slopes. It is known for waving its spiny dorsal fin, which carries a dark spot that looks like a tiny fish, to lure prey within reach. Keepers prize it as an unusual, rarely seen ambush predator for a dedicated species tank.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

10 cm

Temperature

23 to 27 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

75 litres

Keep as

Keep singly

Diet

Carnivore: live and frozen shrimp, mysis, small fish and meaty seafood

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Indo-Pacific: Hawaii, South Africa, Indonesia, Pacific islands

Breeding

It lays eggs in a floating gelatinous mass with pelagic larvae. There are no reliable reports of captive breeding.

Good to know

The fin spines are venomous and can cause painful stings, so handle with care. It will eat any fish or shrimp small enough to swallow and often needs live food at first.