Author: Torchio. 1962
Scorpaenodes arenai Torchio. 1962
Status in World Register of Marine Species:
Accepted name: Scorpaenodes arenai Torchio, 1962 (updated 2009-06-25)
Diagnosis: sub-orbital ridge with 4-6 spinous points; a second row of spines may be present below main ridge of spines on sub-orbitals; interorbital spines and the 2 additional spines on the frontals near the midline absent; supplemental preopercular spine usually present; other spines as for genus. Dorsal fin with 13 spines and 9 or 10 rays; pectoral rays 17-19. 50 vertical rows of scales; 6-8 gillrakers on lower arch. Colour: general background red with bars on the body below the middle and end of the spinous dorsal fin, and between thc soft dorsal fin and anal fin and at the base of caudal fin; a dark blotch is present near the end of the spinous dorsal fin. Size: to 11 cm, usually to 8 cm.
Habitat: benthic on sandy bottoms along the coast. Food: no data. Reproduction: probably spawns in September.
Dlstribution: the species is only known from five specimens collected in the Strait of Messina in the Mediterranean.
Eggs, larvae and young stages. No data.
Otoliths (sagitta). No data.