Rascasse de Kuhl (Offshore rockfish)
Pontinus kuhlii (Bowdich, 1825)
Family Scorpaenidae • the pink scorpionfish of deep rocky grounds
2 look-alikes to know
| French name | Rascasse de Kuhl. Other names: rascasse rose, poisson-scorpion, poisson cube maggi (local usage). |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Pontinus kuhlii (Bowdich, 1825) |
| Family | Family Scorpaenidae |
| English name (FAO) | Rascasse de Kuhl (Offshore rockfish) |
| Local names | On Ivorian markets and landing sites: “Poisson cube maggi” (Ouattara et al., 2016). |
| Habitat | Marine, demersal on the deep rocky and hard bottoms of the shelf and continental slope. |
| IUCN status | LC Least Concern. Precise status to be confirmed. |
Identification
A scorpionfish with a stocky body, pink to reddish, a large head armed with spines and bony ridges. Large mouth, large eyes adapted to the dim light of the depths. Dorsal fin with strong venomous spines, to be handled with great care. Livery matching deep rocky bottoms.
Features that never mislead
Strong venomous dorsal spines, head armed with spines and ridges.
Stocky pink to reddish body, large eyes.
Large mouth of an ambush predator.
A species of deep rocky bottoms.
Size and weight
A medium-sized scorpionfish, typical catches of a few decimetres. Precise maximum size to be confirmed on FishBase.
Behaviour and ecology
A motionless ambush predator of deep rocky bottoms, which gulps down fish and crustaceans that come within reach. Camouflage matching the rocks.
Present on deep West African hard bottoms. Caught in deep-water fishing off Côte d'Ivoire. IUCN status: Least Concern.
Reproduction and season
Spawns in deep water; spawning data poorly known locally. To be documented.
Fishing practice
Techniques, from most to least effective
Deep handline and longline fishing over the rocky bottoms of the slope.
Heavy bottom fishing with natural bait.
Caught in deep trawls.
The fight: heavy pulls from the bottom, not very spectacular. When bringing it aboard, take absolute care: the dorsal spines are venomous and the sting very painful.
Eating quality
White, firm and excellent flesh, a classic of scorpionfishes and the basis of renowned fish soups. Handle with a glove to avoid the spines.
Sources: FishBase (Pontinus kuhlii, Bowdich 1825); FAO Eastern Central Atlantic; Ouattara et al. 2016; IUCN status to be reconfirmed.