Species
Eastern Red Scorpionfish
Scorpaena cardinalis
Also known as red rock cod · red gurnard perch · scorpion cod
Tier 3Eating8/10light tackleNSWVICQLDTAS
0 waypoints25–35 cm (max 50 cm) typical
Overview: about eastern red scorpionfish
Bright red venomous reef fish of southeast Australian inshore reef, frequently caught and feared by snapper anglers. Despite the venom, excellent eating with sweet white flesh — fillet carefully.
Biology: Eastern Red Scorpionfish size, diet & habitat
- Habitat
- Reef
- Typical size
- 25–35 cm (max 50 cm)
- Weight
- 0.5–2 kg
- Depth range
- 1–60 m
- Diet
- small fish, crustaceans
- Global range
- Southwest Pacific
How to target: Eastern Red Scorpionfish angling strategies
Generally fished with light tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.
- bait on reef bottom
Safety & handling
In the same waters
- severely venomous dorsal spines
Recent community catches: anglers who caught eastern red scorpionfish
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More information: eastern red scorpionfish references & sources
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