Depth
Scorpaena · Bony Fish

Madeira Scorpionfish

Scorpaena maderensis

0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Rocky Reef
Habitat
Carnivore
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
High
Sighting Likelihood
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Genus Scorpaena
Species maderensis

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationSmall scorpionfish similar to the black scorpionfish but typically with a brighter reddish or orange colouration. A distinctive dark spot on the soft dorsal fin. Numerous skin flaps on the head. Venomous dorsal spines.
  • SizeUp to 24 cm total length, commonly 10 to 15 cm.
  • Social HabitSolitary and sedentary. Sits motionless on rocks relying on camouflage.
  • HabitatRocky reefs, boulders, and areas with coralline algae cover.
  • Depth5 to 200 m, most common between 10 and 50 m.
  • Feeds OnSmall crustaceans and fish ambushed from its camouflaged position.
  • DistributionEastern Atlantic from Portugal to the Azores and Canary Islands, including the Mediterranean Sea.
  • DescriptionA smaller, generally more colourful relative of the black scorpionfish. The dark spot on the rear dorsal fin helps distinguish it from other scorpionfish species. Like all scorpionfish, its venomous dorsal spines demand respect, though stings are less severe than those of the red scorpionfish.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Found across the Mediterranean, inhabiting rocky reef environments. Active from the surface down to 40m depth.

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

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Sightings are logged by divers using our What Did You See? dive-log tool. View the full live sightings map.

Detail

Preferred Environment

Rocky Reef habitats, typically at depths of 0-40m. Most commonly encountered by divers at the shallower end of its range.

Encounter Tips

Best approached slowly and calmly. Avoid casting shadows directly over the animal. Neutral buoyancy and patience increase encounter success significantly.

Madeira Scorpionfish species card

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Behaviour & Defence

Uses venomous spines or stinging cells as primary defence. Not aggressive -- defensive response only when threatened or handled.

Defensive

Dive with diveshack

Where to Encounter in Malta

The following dive sites offer strong habitat match for Scorpaena maderensis. All are accessible on a guided dive with diveshack.

5-30m
North Malta

Cirkewwa

Rocky reef with caves, arches and ledges hosting a rich diversity of reef species.

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5-50m
Gozo

Blue Hole

One of the Med's most famous reef dive sites. Rocky walls and archways covered in life.

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18-36m
South Malta

Um El Faroud

The wreck lies on a sandy bottom surrounded by rocky reef -- a diverse habitat attracting reef species.

View dive site ›
IUCN Red List Least Concern

Conservation Status

This species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Mediterranean populations face ongoing pressure from fishing activity, habitat degradation, and climate-driven changes to prey availability.

Source: iNaturalist Guide #888
by Lesley Clements (CC BY-SA)
diveshack Mediterranean Marine Life guide