California Scorpionfish

Other names: Spotted scorpionfish

The California scorpionfish, Scorpaena guttata, is a bottom-dwelling marine fish found from central California to Baja California. Recognizable by its mottled red-brown color and venomous spines, it inhabits rocky reefs and sandy bottoms. This species is valued in both commercial and recreational fisheries.

Length
~17 (max 47)
Weight
~1 (max 2)
Water
Salt
Depth
26-183 ft

Other names
Spotted scorpionfish
Length
~17 (max 47)
Weight
~1 (max 2)
Water
Salt
Depth
26-183 ft

Popular lures for California Scorpionfish

Anchovy

Mackerel

Mussels

River2Sea Live Squid

Squid

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Regulation for California Scorpionfish

Check all regulations in CA

Season
Always open
Bag limit
5
Vessel limit
-
Trophy limits
-
Max size
-
Min size
10"
Measurement
Total Length
Prohibited methods
-

Check all regulations in CA

Living Conditions

🐟 Habitat preferences
- Inhabits rocky areas and sandy bottoms in bays and along the shore
- Can often be found in underwater caves
- Feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates
- Often found hiding in crevices or among rocks
♻️ Life cycle and mating behavior
- Spawns in the spring and summer months
- Eggs are buoyant and hatch into planktonic larvae
- Juveniles settle in shallow waters before moving to deeper habitats as they mature
- Adults return to specific spawning grounds annually.