Pterois sphex (Hawaii Pterois)

Adult size20 cm

Temperature23 - 28 °C

pH8 - 8.5

Minimum aquarium capacity (in liters)500 L

Description

Trapped body, wide head, powerful look. This fish has well -developed crests, supported by poisonous thorny rays.

The Pterois Sphex is a fish belonging to the Scorpaenidae family. It is commonly called sea scorpion fish or flying scorpion fish. It is a sea fish that lives in the warm and shallow waters of the Indian and peaceful oceans.

The Pterois Sphex has an elongated and slender body, with sheets in the shape of a sheet and a fin -shaped tail. Its color is generally dark gray or dark brown with lively orange or red spots. These spots are more pronounced in juveniles and fade with age. Sea-scorpion fish can reach a length of 40 to 60 centimeters and a weight of up to 2 kilograms.

The Pterois Spphex is a carnivorous fish that feeds mainly on smaller and crustacean fish. He is famous for his unique hunting technique, which consists in camouflaging himself by covering with sand to blend into the seabed, then rush suddenly to catch his prey.

The Pterois Sphex is also known for its ability to defend itself thanks to its poisonous thorns. These thorns are on the upper part of its dorsal fin and on the sides of its tail. They are injected into the skin of the aggressor when threatened or attacked. The venom of sea scorpion fish can cause intense pain, swelling and local redness, as well as breathing difficulties and nausea. However, he is not considered deadly for humans.

The Pterois Spphex is a lonely fish that reproduces once a year. The female can lay up to 30,000 eggs which she deposits on the seabed. The eggs hatch approximately five days later and the larvae swim freely in the ocean for about six weeks before fixing at the seabed. Juveniles have a bright orange color with black spots, which fades with age.

The Pterois Spphex is considered an undeveloped species in nature, although it is sometimes accidentally taken in fishing nets. It is also popular in the aquarophilia, although it can be difficult to maintain because of its large size and high food needs.