California Scorpionfish
The California scorpionfish, Scorpaena guttata, is a bottom-dwelling marine fish found from central California to Baja California. Recognizable by its mottled red-brown color and venomous spines, it inhabits rocky reefs and sandy bottoms. This species is valued in both commercial and recreational fisheries.
Length~17 (max 47)
Weight~1 (max 2)
WaterSalt
Depth26-183 ft
- Other namesSpotted scorpionfish
- Length~17 (max 47)
- Weight~1 (max 2)
- WaterSalt
- Depth26-183 ft
Popular lures for California Scorpionfish
Regulation for California Scorpionfish
- SeasonAlways open
- Bag limit5
- Vessel limit-
- Trophy limits-
- Max size-
- Min size10"
- MeasurementTotal Length
- Prohibited methods-
Living Conditions
🐟 Habitat preferences
- Inhabits rocky areas and sandy bottoms in bays and along the shore
- Can often be found in underwater caves
- Feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates
- Often found hiding in crevices or among rocks
♻️ Life cycle and mating behavior
- Spawns in the spring and summer months
- Eggs are buoyant and hatch into planktonic larvae
- Juveniles settle in shallow waters before moving to deeper habitats as they mature
- Adults return to specific spawning grounds annually.