Long-spined Sea Scorpion Taurulus bubalis

The predatory sea scorpion is a common fish which inhabits shallow coastal waters. It has a broad head and a tapered body. A distinctive white barbel is visible on either corner of its large mouth. It has a large spine pointing backwards from each gill cover, in addition to other spines, and should be handled with caution. Its close relative the short-spined sea scorpion, like its name suggests, does not possess these long spines. The sea scorpion mimics the colours in its local environment and has a mottled pattern in a range of colours. It can be brown or a deep red, orange, pink or purple. The sea scorpion is not venomous like its European cousin the Mediterranean scorpion fish. The sea scorpion grows to 20cm in length.

The sea scorpion can be seen all year round along the coast of Norfolk.

The sea scorpion can be seen all year round.

Marlin
British Marine Life

Join the Wildlife Trust Living Seas campaign and come along to the Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s coastal education trips.