The red scorpionfish lives at a depth ranging from just a few metres to 400 m. It prefers rocky bottoms covered with algae or Posidonia and in any case where it can find shelter in holes and crevices. It is relatively common around wrecks, oil platforms or offshore rocky shallows. It is mainly red, orange and yellow, with brown and black patches. The membrane between the last dorsal spines often (but not always) has a black marking. The pectoral fins are large and fan-shaped, as in other species. There are 3-4 spines between the eye and the upper jaw. The flaps of skin typical of the family can have a frayed appearance and are more developed than in the other two species; they are set over the eye sockets, along the lateral line and above all on the lower jaw (a distinctive feature). It feeds mainly on crustaceans, gobies and molluscs. Reproduction takes place between May and August. It is fished mainly with gillnets and longlines. Its flesh is highly appreciated, but the fish’s scarcity means it cannot be deliberately targeted. Scorpionfish stings are extremely painful, especially those inflicted by this species. The poison injected is heat-sensitive and can thus be neutralized by immersing the affected part in hot water (the hotter the water, the quicker the relief). Minimum size 15 cm.