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Squidpastry @squidpastry.bsky.social · 16/12/2024

The formidable barbfish, Scorpaena brasiliensis, is the star of day 15 of #fishmas. The venom sequestered within each fin spine is potent, and causes a laundry list of nasty symptoms, not to mention severe pain. The 'cool' factor is undeniable. #25DaysofFishmas

Photograph of a barbfish inside of a photo tank. It's resting on the bottom, propped upright with it's huge, fan-like pectoral fins, which are a bright, vivid red. Just above the eyes are large, branching skin extensions, which resemble antlers. The overall color of the fish is a dark brown-red dorsally, grading into a red and then into a cream color near the belly and underside of the head. The fish is covered in leaf-like flaps of skin, which give it a soft appearance. The head is craggy and rough. The dorsal fin is raised slightly, with each spine white-tipped. The fish resembles a stone overgrown with algae, somewhat.

Close-up photo of the same barbfish, now head-on. The mouth is curved downwards and gives the impression of a scowl. All of the flaps of skin on the head are clearly visible, giving the appearance of a patchy mane. The elongate skin extensions above the eyes are in full view, and resemble antlers or massive, bushy eyebrows. The underside of the lower jaw is patchy and heavily mottled cream and brown.