Fish nocturnal

Small Red Scorpionfish

Scorpaena notata

A master of disguise with a spiny, 'punk-rock' silhouette, the Small Red Scorpionfish is the hidden gem of the Mediterranean reefs. Though small, this venomous predator is a fascinating subject for anyone exploring the underwater world of our coastal backyards.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Length up to 24 cm (9.5 in), but more commonly 12–18 cm (4.7–7 in); weight typically between 100–300g (3.5–10.5 oz).

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Colors

Mottled reddish-brown to bright orange-red; lacks a white spot on the dorsal fin; often features a dark blotch on the rear of the spiny dorsal fin.

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Key Features

Stocky body with a large, bony head
Absence of fleshy tentacles or 'beards' on the chin
Deep notch in the dorsal fin separating spiny and soft rays
Mottled skin providing expert camouflage against rocks

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern nocturnal

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Peak hours 8 PM - 4 AM

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Season Year-round

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Diet A carnivorous ambush hunter that primarily eats small crustaceans like shrimp and crabs, as well as tiny benthic fish.

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Habitat Rocky reefs, seagrass meadows (Posidonia), and gravelly bottoms in shallow coastal waters to depths of 700 meters.

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Behavior

The Small Red Scorpionfish is a master of camouflage, spending the majority of its life motionless on the seafloor. It is a quintessential 'sit-and-wait' predator, relying on its incredible ability to mimic the textures and colors of algae-covered rocks and coral. While it appears sluggish, this fish is capable of lightning-fast strikes when small prey wanders within range of its large, vacuum-like mouth.

Socially, these fish are largely solitary and territorial, rarely interacting with others except during the spawning season. They are well-protected by venomous spines along their dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins. While not aggressive, they will not flee when approached, instead trusting their camouflage and keeping their spines erect to deter potential threats.

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Camera Tips

To capture the Small Red Scorpionfish on a trail or 'backyard' camera, you will need a waterproof underwater setup. If you live on the coast or have access to a dock, the best placement is directly on the seafloor. Use a weighted camera housing or a dedicated underwater tripod to keep the lens steady against currents. Position the camera at a low angle, aiming it toward the base of a rocky outcrop or the edge of a seagrass bed, as these fish rarely swim more than a few inches off the bottom.

Lighting is the most critical factor for this species. Because they are most active at night and perfectly camouflaged, a standard daytime shot might just look like a pile of rocks. Use a wide-angle underwater video light with a warm or red-tinted filter. Red light is less visible to many marine species and will allow you to capture natural hunting behaviors without startling the fish. Set your camera to record in high definition with a high frame rate to capture the split-second 'snap' when the scorpionfish strikes its prey.

Attracting this species is relatively easy if you use a scent lure. Secure a small mesh bag filled with crushed oily fish, such as sardines or mackerel, about two feet in front of your camera lens. While the scorpionfish might not eat the bait directly, the scent will attract small shrimp and crabs—the scorpionfish’s favorite snacks. Once the 'prey' arrives, the Small Red Scorpionfish will likely emerge from its crevice to set up an ambush right in front of your camera.

Seasonal timing is less important than water clarity. Aim for days with low wind and minimal swell to ensure the water is clear and free of suspended sediment. In the spring and early summer, they are often found in shallower water (less than 10 meters deep), making them more accessible for backyard underwater explorers with shorter tether lines or shallow-water housings.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Small Red Scorpionfish.

Red Scorpionfish

Much larger (up to 50cm) with prominent fleshy tentacles on the chin and around the eyes.

Black Scorpionfish

Typically darker in color with a larger tentacle above each eye and a more vertical, snub-nosed profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Small Red Scorpionfish are primarily nocturnal hunters. While they can be seen resting on rocks during the day, they are most active and likely to move around between sunset and dawn.

The most effective way to attract them is to use a bait bag filled with crushed shrimp or oily fish. This attracts the small crustaceans that Small Red Scorpionfish hunt, drawing the fish into your camera's field of view.

They are ambush predators that eat a variety of small marine life, specifically targeting shrimp, small crabs, and tiny fish that swim near the seafloor.

In coastal regions, they are very common. They are frequently found near man-made structures like stone piers, breakwaters, and docks in suburban coastal towns.

The Small Red Scorpionfish is much smaller (rarely exceeding 24cm) and lacks the fleshy 'beard' or tentacles on its chin that the larger Red Scorpionfish (Scorpaena scrofa) possesses.

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