Parascorpaena aurita (Rüppell, 1838)
Golden scorpionfish
Parascorpaena aurita
photo by Winterbottom, R.

 Family:  Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes or rockfishes), subfamily: Scorpaeninae
 Max. size:  15 cm TL (male/unsexed)
 Environment:  reef-associated; depth range 3 - 15 m
 Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Red Sea, Mozambique (Ref. 5285), and Papua New Guinea. Reported from East Asia, Yakushima Island as the northermost record (Ref. 82830).
 Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-9; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 5-5. Description: Characterized by mottled greyish or brownish color; anterior part of soft dorsal fin with poorly defined dark spots; cycloid scales; in adult, posterior lacrimal spine directed anteriorly, ventrally or anteroventrally in juvenile; well separated first and second suborbital ridges, rear part of first ridge overlapping anterior part of second ridge; two spines posterior to orbit in suborbital ridge; well developed suborbital ridge from middle of orbit posteriorly, joining to enclose depression at rear interorbital; depth of body 2.5-2.9 in SL (Ref. 90102).
 Biology:  Found in shallow coastal lagoons, large intertidal pools or estuaries; also in silty reefs or amongst large coral rubble (Ref. 48635).
 IUCN Red List Status:   (Ref. 96402)
 Threat to humans:  harmless
 Country info:  Known from north Bais Bay, Tañon Strait (Ref. 11337). Also Ref. 90102.

 Entered by: Casal, Christine Marie V. - 29.08.97
 Modified by: Luna, Susan M. - 26.03.15

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