Scorpionfishes
False stonefish (Scorpaenopsis diabolus)
The False stonefish (Scorpaenopsis diabolus) belongs to the family Scorpaenidae (scorpionfishes) and is found in the Red Sea, with a wider Indo-Pacific range. It is a carnivore and usually seen in pairs or alone. It reaches about 25 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. Treat it with caution (venomous): do not touch or handle it.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Scorpaenopsis diabolus |
|---|---|
| Family | Scorpionfishes (Scorpaenidae) |
| Common name (IT) | Scorfano diavolo |
| Common name (EN) | False stonefish |
| Maximum size | 25 cm |
| Depth | 1–50 m |
| Distribution | Red Sea and Indo-Pacific |
| IUCN status | LC — Least Concern |
| Hazard | Venomous |
Description
Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.
Diving hazard — Venomous: keep your distance, and never touch, corner or feed it.
Where it lives
Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.
- Red Sea
- Indo-Pacific
Diving safety
Venomous. This fish has venomous spines. Stings happen on contact, not as an attack — keep your distance and never handle it.
If it happens
- Leave the water and keep the injured limb still and below heart level.
- Immerse the wound in hot water (about 45 °C / as hot as tolerable) for 30–90 minutes to break down the venom.
- If breathing is affected or the person faints, treat it as a medical emergency.
After
- Seek medical care: check for retained spine fragments, infection and tetanus. This guide is orientation, not a substitute for a dive first-aid course.
Frequently asked questions
- What family does the False stonefish belong to?
- The False stonefish (Scorpaenopsis diabolus) belongs to the family Scorpaenidae (scorpionfishes).
- Is the False stonefish dangerous?
- It needs caution: Venomous. Keep your distance and do not touch or handle it.
- Is the False stonefish endemic to the Red Sea?
- No — it occurs in the Red Sea but its range extends across the Indo-Pacific.
- How big does the False stonefish get?
- It reaches a maximum length of about 25 cm.
Explore the False stonefish in 3D in the interactive atlas →