ANIMAL SPECIES:Red Rockcod, Scorpaena cardinalis Richardson, 1842
The Red Rockcod is very common in shallow coastal waters around Sydney. The fish is commonly seen by divers as it lies motionless on the bottom, usually moving only when disturbed.
Number of species
The family Scorpaenidae is represented by about 350 species (70 genera) which occur in all tropical and temperate seas. Eighty species (33 genera) are recorded from Australia. Twelve species in the genus Scorpaena have been recorded in Australian waters, two of which have been recorded in the Sydney region, the Red Rockcod, and the Southern Rockcod, Scorpaena papillosus. The two species differ in the number of pectoral fin rays and lateral line scales.Identification
Scorpionfishes are all characterised by a bony strut (the suborbital stay) running below the eye. The suborbital stay of the Red Rockcod has developed into a raised row of spines. The function is unclear, but in many species it may help protect the eyes.
The Red Rockcod has skin flaps on the head, lateral line and other parts of the body. These help to disguise the shape of the fish.
Many scorpionfishes have cryptic colouration. This is is an advantage for predatory fishes like the Red Rockcod that often lie motionless on the bottom. The Red Rockcod's colouration is highly variable from light grey to bright red with blotches. The chest usually has small dark spots.
Size range
The Red Rockcod grows to a maximum length of 40 cm.Distribution
The Red Rockcod is found in temperate waters of eastern Australia, ranging from southern Queensland to eastern Victoria.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Red Rockcod specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
Scorpionfishes can be found in marine, estuarine and even fresh waters. Some species, such as the Idiotfishes (subfamily Sebastalobinae) are found on the deep ocean floor down to 2200 m. Others, like those in the subfamily Setarchinae, swim in the oceanic midwaters. Most species, however, live in coral or rocky reefs.
The Red Rockcod is often found with sponges and in rocky areas covered with algae.
Behaviour and adaptations
Feeding and Diet
The Red Rockcod is a predatory fish with a big mouth. It often lies motionless on the bottom waiting for passing prey of small fishes and invertebrates.
The species swallows its prey whole, so within reason, the bigger the mouth, the larger the prey item that can be consumed.
Other behaviours and adaptations
The Red Rockcod has a number of interesting adaptations that include venomous dorsal spines, a large mouth and complex colouration.
Living with us
Danger to humans and first aid
The twelve dorsal spines of the Red Rockcod are toxic. A sting from this fish can be excruciatingly painful, and last for half a day. The poison is denatured by heat so immersing the affected area in very hot water is the best first aid before consulting a doctor.
Classification
- Species:
- cardinalis
- Genus:
- Scorpaena
- Family:
- Scorpaenidae
- Order:
- Scorpaeniformes
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
References
- Eschmeyer, W.N. in Paxton, J.R. & W.N. Eschmeyer (Eds). 1994. Encyclopedia of Fishes. Sydney: New South Wales University Press; San Diego: Academic Press [1995]. Pp. 240.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1993. Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Crawford House Press. Pp. 437.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Edmonds, C. 1978. Dangerous Marine Animals of the Indo-Pacific Region, (Diving Centre Monograph on identification first aid and medical treatment). 2nd reprint. Wedneil Publications. Pp. 235.
- Paxton, J.R., D.F. Hoese, G.R. Allen & J.E. Hanley. 1989. Zoological Catalogue of Australia Vol.7 Pisces Petromyzontidae to Carangidae. Canberra: Australian Biological Resources Survey. pp. i-xii, 1-665.
- Pollard, D.A & P. Parker in McDowall, R.M. 1996. Freshwater Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Reed Books. Pp. 247.
- Poss, S.G. in Gomon, M.F, J.C.M. Glover & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. State Print, Adelaide. Pp. 992.
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Lateral view of a Red Rockcod at Fly Point View full size
Dave Harasti
© Dave Harasti
A Red Rockcod at Fly Point View full size
Dave Harasti
© Dave Harasti
The head of a Red Rockcod at Dee Why View full size
Allan Saben
© Allan Saben
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4 comments
Mark McGrouther
3.07 PM, 02 July 2009
Another emailed comment about fish eye parasites. Thank you Gustavo. From Gustavo Fonseca: I had a quick look in the net and found two pictures and the following abstracts. It seems that nematodes can also parasite fish-eyes. Picture 1: http://www.glaucus.org.uk/BoarFish-portrait_PP.jpg. Picture 2: http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=330zeqt&s=4. Abstracts: http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.1645/GE-1523.1?journalCode=para. http://apps.isiknowledge.com/full_record.do?product=UA&search_mode=GeneralSearch&qid=1&SID=1Ail5aOA31HJkKjaDH1&page=1&doc=8&colname=CCC.
Mark McGrouther
1.07 PM, 02 July 2009
The following comment was sent by email: Hi Mark and Sascha, The museum Marine Invertebrates section staff passed on your message to me. It is difficult to make a definitive identification of this worm. I suspect that it is a nematode based on the general shape and curvature. However, the tips of the worm don’t look particularly tapered, so there is a possibility that it could be a turbellarian. Was the specimen obtained? For your interest, you may like to check out a new website www.marineparasites.com that I have put together on some of the parasites of common southern Australian fishes. The website has been live for a few months and I intend to add more information in the near future. Best regards, Kate. Dr Kate S Hutson, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Marine Parasitology Laboratory, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, DX 650 418 Darling Building, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, South Australia
Mark McGrouther
2.07 PM, 01 July 2009
Hey Sascha, That's a great photo. I have no idea what sort of worm it is. I'll send the url of the page to our Marine Invertebrates staff who may be able to enlighten us.
Sascha Schulz
9.07 AM, 01 July 2009
Attached is an image of a S. cardinalis with a parasite in the eye. It appears to be some kind of worm, possbily a nematode?
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