Eschmeyer’s Scorpionfish

The Eschmeyer’s Scorpionfish, *Rhinopias eschmeyeri*, is a highly sought-after and captivating species for the experienced marine aquarist. This master of camouflage, often referred to as the Eschmeyer’s Frogfish due to its unique appearance and hunting style, is a member of the scorpionfish family but lacks the typical venomous spines of many of its relatives. Its body is covered in fleshy appendages and skin flaps, allowing it to blend seamlessly with its surroundings, typically rubble or algae-covered substrates. Coloration is highly variable, ranging from vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds to more muted browns and purples, often with intricate patterns.

A minimum aquarium size of 50 gallons is recommended for a single Eschmeyer’s Scorpionfish. The tank should be aquascaped with plenty of live rock, rubble, and sandy areas to provide ample hiding places and ambush points. Strong water flow is not necessary; in fact, moderate to low flow is preferred as they are ambush predators that rely on stillness. They are not considered reef safe as they will consume any fish or invertebrate small enough to fit in their large mouth.

In the aquarium, the Eschmeyer’s Scorpionfish is a carnivorous ambush predator. They will readily consume live or frozen meaty foods. A varied diet of mysis shrimp, krill, silversides, and other appropriately sized marine fish and invertebrates is essential for their long-term health. They may need to be target fed initially.

In a home aquarium, the Eschmeyer’s Scorpionfish typically reaches a size of 6 to 8 inches. There are no readily apparent visual differences between males and females. Breeding in captivity is extremely rare and has not been widely documented. This species is best kept singly or with other large, non-aggressive fish that they cannot consume. Due to their specialized needs and predatory nature, the Eschmeyer’s Scorpionfish is recommended for experienced aquarists only.