Sea Raven ~ New Jersey Scuba Diving

Sea Raven

Hemitripterus americanus

Size
to 25" and 7 lbs.

Description:
The fleshy tabs around the head and ragged-looking dorsal fin are identifying characteristics of Scorpionfish like the Sea Raven. The eye is also very strange looking. These fishes prefer cooler waters and disappear when it warms up. Tropical and Pacific relatives including the introduced Lionfish have poisonous spines, but our species is harmless. Some people eat them, but I find them to be among the most interesting and obliging photo subjects in our waters.

Sea Ravens in several color morphs - red, yellow/brown, yellow, and almost black. Males adopt startling shades of yellow, orange, and red during mating season.

Fishes of the Gulf of Maine

Ocean Bottom

These fishes are most likely to be found on or near the bottom out at sea, either resting or swimming around. In addition, many of the types more often found in the rivers and inlets may be found out at sea.

Many of the types presented here are representative of entire families of similar related species. While some are closely related, others are not. These particular species are the most common in our area.

More: Ocean Bottom ...

Sea Raven

Ocean Bottom

Balaena