Least Concern· population trend unknown· assessed 2015

Rockfish

Scorpaena scrofa

Sighting evidence at B-17 Flying Fortress, Istria

Photo: anna-lena_wallner · CC BY-NC

Scorpaena scrofa, the large-scaled scorpionfish, is a textbook ambush predator perfectly adapted to sedentary life on complex structure. Heavily camouflaged individuals rest motionless on the B-17's corroding aluminium panels, waiting for passing prey. Their venomous dorsal spines make them one of the few genuinely dangerous encounters on an Istrian dive — experienced guides always point them out before divers swim close.

Evidence at this site

1 record within 25 km

Confidence: low

Last confirmed Aug 2025

Seasonality

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How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.

Also seen at other sites

HMCS Chaudiere→