Short-spined Sea Scorpion (Myoxocephalus scorpius): facts, sounds & photos

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Short-spined Sea Scorpion (Myoxocephalus scorpius) lives in rocky seabed across Northern Atlantic. It feeds on demersal fish and crustaceans. Its conservation status is Least Concern.

Fascinating facts about the Short-spined Sea Scorpion

Most adults are 15–30 cm, while Arctic specimens can reach up to 60 cm.
It lives on the ocean floor from 0 to 451 m, among seaweed or on rocky bottoms with mud or sand.
It has antifreeze proteins that allow it to survive at temperatures around or slightly below freezing.
Mucus secretion increases near a former lead-zinc mine in West Greenland, and this mucus can cause respiratory stress, irregular swimming, and affect parasite relationships.
It spawns from December through March, the eggs are laid on rocks in a clump protected by the male, and they usually hatch in five weeks.

At a glance

RangeNorthern Atlantic

Habitatrocky seabed

Dietdemersal fish and crustaceans

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