Pygmy Scorpionfish

(Scorpaenodes scaber)

Provide an aquarium with plenty of bottom swim space for this bottom dwelling fish to reside. Ample rock work with caves and ledges to hide in should also be provided. Scorpionfish are able to camouflage themselves in order to capture its prey of small fish and crustaceans. Scorpionfish should be housed with fish larger than themselves that are peaceful and will not nip at their fins. They are also slow moving fish requiring low water flow. Scorpionfish may not readily eat when first acclimated if so provide live Grass/Glass shrimp, small crabs or fiddler crabs. Provide a meaty diet rich in proteins and amino acids 3 to 4 times daily. Take care when placing hands in the aquarium as most Scorpionfish are venomous.

Pygmy Scorpionfish are also sometimes known as the Pygmy Rockcod. Not frequently seen in the aquarium trade. Pygmy Scorpionfish are a mottled red, orange, tan to brown coloration. Pygmy Scorpionfish can grow to a little over 4".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 30 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH

  • Care: CareEasyEasy CareModerateModerate
  • Behavior: BehaviorAgressiveAgressive
  • Diet: DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food DietLive FoodLive Food
  • Habitat: HabitatPlantedPlanted HabitatReefReef
  • Light: LightMediumMedium