Trachyscorpia cristulata

Trachyscorpia cristulata, Atlantic Thornyhead. Source Goode & Bean 1896.
Trachyscorpia cristulata, Atlantic Thornyhead. Source Goode & Bean 1896.
FamilyScientific NameAuthorYearCommon Name
ScorpaenidaeTrachyscorpia cristulataGoode & Bean1896Atlantic Thornyhead

Trachyscorpia cristulata

Unique Characteristics: Dorsal-fin spines almost always 12. Palatine teeth present. First preopercular spine longest, not counting accessory spine at base of first spine. Soft dorsal fin rays 10 1/2 or fewer (usually 8 1/2 or 9 1/2). Lateral line complete, extending to caudal fin. Pigment on caudal peduncle not strongly spotted. Scales on body ctenoid (rough to touch). Pectoral fin square-cut and slightly bilobed in large specimens, longest rays near upper edge of fin; pectoral-fin rays 21-24, rarely 20 (FAO 2002).

Trachyscorpia cristulata, Atlantic Thornyhead. Source FAO 2002.
Trachyscorpia cristulata, Atlantic Thornyhead. Source FAO 2002.

Similar Species: None

Reference:

Goode, G.B. and T.H. Bean. 1896. Oceanic ichthyology. A treatise on the deep-sea and pelagic fishes of the world, based chiefly upon the collections made by the Steamers Blake, Albatross, and Fish Hawk in the northwestern Atlantic, with an atlas containing 417 figures. Special Bulletin. Smithsonian Institution. United States National Museum. Washington, DC. 927 pp.