Fish Identification Photos: Spotback Scorpionfish, Pontinus vaughani: The Spotback Scorpionfish is characterized by its overall scorpionfish-like appearance, small eyes, and large bony head covered with spines.

The key identification characteristic is that both the second and third dorsal fin spines are elongated and of equal length. The head and body of the Spotback Scorpionfish are pink covered with a series of random irregular pale blue spots. The anal and caudal fins have pink rays and yellow-pink membranes.

The dorsal fin of the Spotback Scorpionfish has pink and blue spines and yellow and pink membranes; the soft rays are pink with yellow membranes. The pectoral fin rays are pink with a series of elongated dark spots, the membranes are pink with blue spots, and the base is pink with dense blue spots. The pelvic fins are pink with blue rays and the membranes are yellowish-pink.

The Spotback Scorpionfish is found between 150 and 250 feet deep in the water column, in and around rocky structure. It reaches a maximum length of 22 inches. The Spotback Scorpionfish might be confused with the Red Scorpionfish, Pontinus furcirhinus (third dorsal spine very elongated, second dorsal spine short).

The Spotback Scorpionfish distribution in Mexico is limited to the Pacific side of the Baja California peninsula south of Guerrero Negro, along the Eastern side of the Baja coast south of La Paz, and around the Clipperton and Revillagigedos islands.

The Spotback Scorpionfish is a member of the Scorpaenidae or Scorpionfish Family. Like all scorpionfish, it should be treated as “hazardous” and released as soon as possible, being careful not to allow its poisonous spines to penetrate the skin.

Spotback Scorpionfish, Pontinus vaughani: Caught with Capt. Pata on the panga Salome, in May 2007, in 300-foot deep, 74-degree water, utilizing traditional bottom gear, 10 miles north of La Playita, San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Size approximately 16 inches and 3 pounds. A rare catch! Description and photo courtesy of John Snow. Spotback Scorpionfish, Pontinus vaughani: From 60 fathoms deep at Roca Partida, off Baja California, a strange and wildly-colored rockfish, identified by U.C. Santa Barbara's Dr. Milton Love as Pontinus vaughani, the Spotback Scorpionfish. The fish was caught during a November 2001 trip of the San Diego long range boat Breezers to the Revillagigedo Archipelago. Photo courtesy Ken Oda.