Weedy scorpionfish (Rhinopias frondosa) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Family
Scorpaenidae (scorpionfishes)
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
23 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
250 litres
Care level
expert
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 250 litres (an estimate based on its 23 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 highly prized scorpionfish covered in weed-like skin flaps, found in many colour forms. It is often reluctant to feed at first and usually needs live food before it can be weaned. It may shed its skin periodically. The list gives a maximum size of 23 cm. Wild-caught specimens are expensive and should be bought only from sellers who can confirm they are feeding. 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.

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

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