Bony Fish (Class: Osteichthyes)

Abstract

The Scorpaenidae family contains venomous species of the genera Pterois (lionfi sh), Scorpaena (scorpionfi sh, sculpin), and Synanceia (stonefi sh). This family consists of 70 genera and about 350 species; venomous species from the family Scorpaenidae are some of the most venomous bony fi sh species. Approximately 80 of the 350 species are venomous. Venomous species of this family include the South Australian cobbler or soldierfi sh ( Gymnapistes marmoratus Cuvier), lionfi sh ( Dendrochirus species), sculpin ( Scorpaena species), and fortescue ( Centropogon australis White). Classifi cation of these fi sh is based on the morphology of the venom apparatus. The bony plate that covers the facial region from the eyes to the gill helps identify this diverse family (i.e., " mail -cheeked " fi sh). Stonefi sh species ( Synanceia spp.) include the common or estuarine stonefi sh ( S. horrida L.), the reef stonefi sh ( S. verrucosa Bloch & Schneider), the dwarf stonefi sh ( Synanceia nana Eschmeyer & Rama -Rao), the Indian stonefi sh ( S. horrida L.), and the pitted stonefi sh ( Synanceia erosa Cuvier or Erosa erosa ). The bullrout ( Notesthes robusta G ü nther) is a venomous member of the Tetrarogidae family. Common Name: Lionfi sh, Zebrafi sh, Red Lionfi sh, Butterfl y Cod, Lion Fish, Ornate Butterfl y -Cod, Peacock Lionfi sh, Red Firefi sh, Scorpion Volitans, Turkey Fish, and Turkeyfi sh Scientifi c Name: Pterois spp. ( P. volitans L., P. radiata Cuvier, P. antennata Bloch) Physical Description: This group of colorful, graceful fi sh has fan -like fi ns. The length of this beautiful Asian tropical fi sh is about 30 -38 cm ( ∼ 12 -15 in.)with vertical, dark stripes and long slender dorsal and ventral spines. Although coloration is highly variable, these fi sh are frequently zebra -banded in red and white. There are numerous spiny projections and fl eshy tabs on the head. The eyes protrude dorsally over a large mouth that has numerous skin appendages. Figure 183.1 displays a specimen of the lionfi sh ( Pterois volitans L.).Common Name: Sculpin Scientifi c Name: Scorpaena guttata Girard Physical Description: The sculpin has a stocky, slightly compressed body with a large head, protruding eyes, and a large mouth and pectoral fi ns. The color is red to brown with dark patches over the body and fi ns. Most sculpins are small ( < 6 in./ < 15 cm), but the cabezon ( Scorpaenichthys marmoratus Ayres) reaches 39 in. ( ∼ 100 cm) in length.