Least Concern· population trend unknown· assessed 2015

Scorpionfish

Scorpaena scrofa

Sighting evidence at Cristo degli Abissi, Portofino

Large red scorpionfish are master ambush predators that blend almost perfectly with the encrusted rock around the Cristo statue, sitting motionless for hours waiting for prey. Their venomous dorsal spines make them a species to observe but never touch, and their cryptic coloration rewards the observant diver who pauses to look carefully at each rock. Portofino's reserve protection means individuals here grow to impressive sizes rarely seen in fished Mediterranean waters.

Evidence at this site

2 records within 25 km

Confidence: low

Last confirmed Jun 2026

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.

Scorpionfish

Evidence at this site

Seasonality

Also seen at other sites