The barbfish was originally described as Scorpaena brasiliensis by Cuvier in 1829. Synonyms referring to this species in past scientific literature include Scorpaena colesi Nichols 1914. The family Scorpaenidae, the scorpionfish, consists primarily of marine species and includes many of the world's venomous fish. The common name barbfish refers to the ability in inject venom from spines in their fins.

English language common names are barbfish, goosehead scorpionfish, orange scorpionfish, and red barbfish. Other language common names include arracacho (Spanish), beatinha (Portuguese), beatriz (Portuguese), brasiliansk skægfisk (Danish), buraziru-fusakasago (Japanese), escorpión pardo (Spanish), mamangá (Portugese), niquim (Portuguese), niquim da-pedra (Portuguese), niquim de-pedra (Portuguese), peixe escorpião (Portuguese), peixe pedra (Portuguese), rascacio (Spanish), rascacio chasnete (Spanish), rascacio chasnete ojo (Spanish), rascacio pardo (Spanish), rascasio (Spanish), rascasse brésilienne (French), and sapo chaznete rojo (Spanish).

The barbfish is found in the western Atlantic Ocean from Virginia (US) to the northern Gulf of Mexico including the Greater and Lesser Antilles, south to Brazil. This species is common in the northern Gulf of Mexico. It was formally reported in the waters off Bermuda, it has not been collected or observed there since 1927.

World distribution map for the barbfish

This member of the family Scorpaenidae is commonly found residing over soft bottom and coral reef habitats from the shoreline to depths of 330 feet (100 m) in bays, harbor and on the continental shelf. Scorpionfish are generally solitary except during courtship and spawning.



Biology

Barbfish
© Anne DuPont

· Distinctive Features

The head and the snout of the barbfish are moderately short. The occipital pit is well developed and a small to absent posttemporal spine. The preorbital bone has two spinous points over the maxilla. The suborbital ridge has three spinous points of which the first two are blunt. The preoperculum has five spines - the first bearing a supplemental spine, the second equal or subequal to the third and the fourth and fifth spines moderate to small.

There are enlongated venom glands in the grooves of the anterior portion of the spines of the dorsal, pelvic and anal fins. These spines can be erected with venom passing into the wound from the spines that penetrate the flesh of the victim. All scorpionfishes have 11-17 rays or spines (with members of the genus Scorpaena having 12-13) on the dorsal fin, two rays on the pelvic fin, and three rays on the anal fin.

Coloration varies greatly in this species
© Judy Townsend

· Coloration

Barbfish are mottled red, orange, or blue in color with a paler underside. There is a large dark spot on the upper flank behind the operculum and several spots located on the pale axil of the pectoral fin. In addition, there are two dark bands on the tail. Scorpionfish are masters of camouflage which allows them to slowly creep up to prey items before ambushing them. Juveniles are mottled in brown over a tan or pale background. The caudal peduncle is somewhat paler than the remainder of the body. Small brown spots are typically seen on the pectoral axil in specimens larger than 25 mm standard length.

· Dentition

The teeth of the barbfish are small, arranged in narrow bands on the jaws, palatine, and vomer.

Barbfish reach a maximum length of 13.8 inches TL
© George Burgess

·Size, Age, and Growth

The maximum reported length of the barbfish is 13.8 inches (35.0 cm) total length (TL), however it is more commonly seen at lengths of approximately 7.9 inches (20.0 cm) TL.

Barbfish feeding on a shrimp
© Anne DuPont

· Food Habits

Barbfish feed by camouflaging to blend into its surroundings and lying in wait until an unsuspecting prey items comes within reach. The barbfish then quickly opens its large mouth, creating a vacuum and instantly sucking in the prey. Prey items include crabs, shrimps, and bony fish.

· Reproduction

Scorpionfish are oviparous with females producing eggs that are transparent or greenish in color. During spawning, the eggs and sperm are released and float near the surface. Little else is known about scorpionfish reproduction.

· Predators

Larger marine fish are potential predators, however they have the venomous barbs to contend with when attempting to prey on the barbfish.

· Parasites

Holobomolochus serratus, a parasitic copepod, has been documented in the gill chambers of the barbfish.

The barbfish is not listed as endangered or vulnerable with the World Conservation Union (IUCN). The IUCN is a global union of states, governmental agencies, and non-governmental organizations in a partnership that assesses the conservation status of species.