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How to catch Small red scorpionfish

Scorpaena notata Rafinesque, 1810

About Small red scorpionfish fishing

The small red scorpionfish is a benthic marine member of the family Scorpaenidae, recognised by its broad head, upwardly angled mouth, and decorative skin flaps and tentacles. Reaching a maximum length of twenty-six centimetres with a common length of twelve centimetres, this species exhibits a robust fusiform body coloured in mottled shades of reddish-brown, highlighted by a distinctive dark spot between the middle dorsal spines. It inhabits subtropical coastal waters across the eastern Atlantic, the Mediterranean, and parts of the Black Sea, residing primarily over rocky littoral substrates from shallow shorelines down to considerable marine depths. As a solitary predator, it feeds opportunistically on small bottom-dwelling invertebrates and crustaceans, using its camouflage to ambush passing prey. While typically ignored by commercial game fisheries due to its small size and venomous spines, its rich flesh makes it a valued ingredient in traditional regional fish stews.

  • Difficulty

    Medium

  • Average size

    12 cm TL

  • Market value

    Low

  • Habitat

    Saltwater

  • Season

    Spring, Summer, Autumn

  • Also known as

    Red scorpionfish, Rockfish, Small red scorpion fish

Small red scorpionfish

Operculum present

Clear bony gill cover plates are present behind the cheek.

Black dorsal spot

A prominent black spot on the rear dorsal fin base.

Spiny head

Numerous sharp spines and ridges armor the heavy head.

Small red scorpionfish fishing facts

Characteristics

  • Typical size

    12 cm TL (max 26 cm TL )

  • Typical weight

    0.2 kg (max 0.2 kg )

  • Preferred temperature

    13.2–16.2 °C

  • Depth

    10–700 m

  • Longevity

    8 years

  • Body shape

    Fusiform / Normal

  • Commercial?

  • Vulnerability score

    34.2

Best hours

  • Dawn

    First light

    Active

  • Morning

    After sunrise

    Low

  • Midday

    High sun

    Low

  • Afternoon

    Late day

    Low

  • Dusk

    Last light

    Active

  • Night

    After dark

    Peak

When to fish for Small red scorpionfish

01
January
02
February
03
March
04
April
05
May
06
June
07
July
08
August
09
September
10 Now
October
11
November
12
December

How to catch Small red scorpionfish

Tips for catching Small red scorpionfish

The small red scorpionfish is a benthic ambush predator that stays motionless against rocky reefs and crevices in coastal marine waters. Anglers target them primarily with light bottom fishing rigs or careful micro-lure presentations worked directly along the seabed. Because they possess a small mouth and rely on scent and visual triggers in darker structural zones, use tiny soft jigs or small natural bait strips threaded on small hooks. Keep your presentation in direct contact with the stones, ledges, or weed edges where these solitary fish lie in wait for passing crustaceans and small fish. Always handle captured specimens with extreme caution because their fin spines carry potent venom.

Other names for Small red scorpionfish

Local and alternate names anglers use for Small red scorpionfish.

  • Small red scorpionfish
  • Rockfish
  • Small red scorpion fish
  • Red scorpionfish

Best equipment to catch Small red scorpionfish

Compare fishing methods for Small red scorpionfish — sized kit for each technique.

Note: Typical fish is 0.2 kg Our algorithm will suggest the best equipment for you based on this weight.

Best lures and baits for Small red scorpionfish

Ranked lures and natural baits from every method, best first.

Where Small red scorpionfish spends the year — Non-migratory

Stays in the same waters year-round. Look for it on the same grounds rather than timing a run.

Where Small red scorpionfish spends the year — Non-migratory 1. Eggs: Laid on the home grounds. 2. Juveniles: Grow up close by. 3. Adults: Keep to a small home range. 4. Spawners: Spawn on the same grounds, with only short moves.
Same water all year

1 Eggs

Same water all year

Laid on the home grounds.

2 Juveniles

Same water all year

Grow up close by.

3 Adults

Same water all year

Keep to a small home range.

4 Spawners

Same water all year

Spawn on the same grounds, with only short moves.

Hover or tap a number to read each stage.

Diet and behavior of Small red scorpionfish

  • Diet

    Carnivore

  • Feeds by

    Hunts animals

  • Hunts

    Night

Where Small red scorpionfish lives

Lives on or just above the bottom. Work jigs, bait, and lures along the seabed.

Habitats
Saltwater
Depth zone
Sublittoral, Bathyal
10–700 m
Water column
Demersal
On or near the bed

Where this species lives

Where to fish for Small red scorpionfish

Mapped fishing spots where Small red scorpionfish is recorded — open a pin for access and methods.

Cala Sa Solana

Illes BalearsIlles BalearsSpain

Venetian Harbour

ChaniaRegion of CreteGreece

Esteiro do Ancão

LouléFaroPortugal

Baixa de São Pedro

Ponta DelgadaAçoresPortugal

Anse de Baumaderie

Bouches-du-RhôneProvence-Alpes-Côte d'AzurFrance

Puerto de Naos

Las PalmasCanariasSpain