New Record of Mozambique Scorpionfish, Parascorpaena mossambica (Peters, 1855), (Actinopterygii: Order, Scorpaeniformes; Family: Scorpaendiae) From Indian Waters
Abstract: Parascorpaena
mossambica is one of the rare species of Scorpaenidae in the Visakhapatnam
coastal waters, India. Ten specimens are characterized by Dorsal fin IX 9; Anal
fin III 5-6; Pectoral fin rays 15; Lateral line scales 43-44; Lateral line
Pored scales 23-24; Lateral transverse scale scales 6-7/1/12-14; lachrymal bone
with two lower strong antrose spines, anterior pointed and directed forward,
tip reaching dorsal margin of upper lip, covered with skin; posterior one
directed forward and slightly downward; suborbital with three spines. Only few
records have been made in the whole Indian waters. Due to its rarity, P.
mossambica is poorly studied and little known about their biology, ecology and
distribution. In the present study provides additional data on this rare
species. In particular, we describe its habitat, ecology, presence and
distribution with several new records in Indian waters.
Keywords: Scorpaenidae, fish,
Parascorpaena mossambica, Visakhapatnam
Author: Muddula Krishna
Naranji, Govinda Rao Velamala, Kandula Sujatha
Journal Code: jpperikanangg170048