California scorpionfish (Scorpaena guttata) is a saltwater species recorded in the United States. It is mainly found over rocky, sand, at depths of ≤ 183 m.
Scientific name: Scorpaena guttata · Water: Saltwater
Size: up to 47 cm
The California scorpionfish (Scorpaena guttata), known to local anglers as the California sculpin, is a spotted member of the scorpionfish family whose specific name guttata, meaning "spotted", refers to the many small black spots on its body. It occurs in the eastern Pacific from Santa Cruz in central California south along Baja California to Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, as a demersal fish of rocky bottoms just offshore and in bays that usually stays shallower than about 30 m but may venture to 183 m; it does not hold a fixed territory, and mark-and-recapture work has recorded individuals travelling up to 200 km. It is carnivorous, feeding on fish, crustaceans, octopuses and squid, with juvenile yellow rock crabs especially important in fall and winter, and its maximum recorded lifespan is 21 years. In the United States it is a regular southern California boat and pier catch on squid or fish baits fished on the bottom, reaching 43–47 cm, and it must be recognised for its venomous fin spines.
Caution: has venomous spines. Take great care when unhooking and handling; the sting is extremely painful.
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