Species profile
California Scorpionfish
Scorpaena guttata
At a glance
California Scorpionfish (Scorpaena guttata) is an IUCN Data Deficient bony-fish species regulated in 4 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
The strictest bag limit is 5 (California); the most generous is 8 (Federal Waters (DFO)).
Confirmed by 773 research-grade iNaturalist observations, concentrated in California.
Notable details
- Has 12 venomous dorsal spines capable of inflicting severe, long-lasting pain.
- A master of camouflage that ambushes prey motionlessly on rocky reef floors.
- Can live up to 21 years and grow to about 17 inches long.
- Periodically sheds its outer skin layer to remove algae and fouling organisms.
- Ranges from central California to Baja California in rocky reefs and kelp forests.
Where California Scorpionfish are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for California Scorpionfish
Background
Scorpaena guttata is a species of fish in the scorpionfish family known by the common name California scorpionfish. It is native to the eastern Pacific Ocean, where it can be found along the coast of California and Baja California. Its distribution extends from around Santa Cruz, California, to Punta Abreojos in Baja California Sur, and out to Guadalupe Island. It is also found in the Gulf of…
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's California Scorpionfish article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other bony fish on CatchRules
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.