Rogue scorpion (Amblyapistus taenionotus) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Family
Tetrarogidae (waspfishes); sometimes placed in Scorpaenidae
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
10 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
100 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
with_caution

Care

Tank and decor: a sedentary ambush predator that spends most of its time resting on rock or sand. Provide plenty of live rock with caves and ledges, open perching spots and moderate water flow. Minimum tank: about 100 litres (an estimate based on its 10 cm adult size and inactive habits). A tight lid is still sensible. Water: our sources give no species-specific figures, so the values here are general marine aquarium guidance, not species-specific: 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4 and specific gravity 1.023–1.026. Keep nitrate low and the water well oxygenated. Behaviour and identification: a small, leaf-like waspfish with a tall dorsal fin that starts above the eyes. It often sways gently to mimic drifting debris. The list gives a maximum size of 10 cm and rates it reef safe with caution. Safety: this fish has venomous fin spines. A sting is very painful and needs medical attention. Never handle it by hand; use a container rather than a net when moving it, wear protective gloves for tank work, and keep the tank out of reach of children. As first aid, the affected limb is usually soaked in water as hot as can be tolerated while medical help is sought. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Carnivorous ambush predator taking small fish and crustaceans such as shrimps. Newly imported fish often accept only live food at first; wean them on to meaty frozen foods (whole lancefish, silversides, krill, mysis, chopped seafood) offered on a feeding stick. Feed two or three times a week rather than daily to avoid obesity.

Breeding

Scorpionfishes generally scatter or release eggs in the open water and have planktonic larvae, so they are not bred in home aquaria. Our sources for this page give no species-specific breeding details.

Compatibility and tank mates

Reef safe with caution: the list advises keeping it away from shrimps and small fish. It ignores corals and other invertebrates that are too large to swallow, but will eat any fish or crustacean that fits in its mouth. Keep it with fish too large to be eaten and not so boisterous that they steal all the food or nip it. Its small size means only small shrimps and tiny fish are at real risk.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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