Bearded Scorpionfish

Scorpaenopsis barbata can reach a length of 22 centimetres (8.7 in). They are brightly colored and heavily camouflaged. They have a broad spiny head with a large mouth and feathery fins. Body is reddish brown or dark brown, with whitish and blackish blotches. Many fleshy outgrowths of skin protrude from their chin (hence the common name of bearded scorpionfish). These fishes have twelve dorsal spines, nine dorsal soft rays, three anal spines and five anal soft rays. Fin spines may bear venom glands at the base.

Scorpaenopsis barbata can be found in the Western Indian Ocean, from the it occurs in the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Aden and along the southern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It may have a wider distribution but identification difficulties may lead to its presence being missed. These tropical reef-associated fishes live in rocky coastlines, in rubble and on sand around coral patches at depth up to 30 m.