New Distributional Record of the Short-Snouted Scorpionfish, Scorpaenopsis obtusa (Scorpaeniformes: Scorpaenidae), from Indian Coastal Waters

Abstract

A new record of the Short–snouted scorpionfish, Scorpaenopsis obtusa Randall et Eschmeyer, 2002 is reported from India’s southeast coast. Three specimens were collected (67.6–75.1 mm SL) as trawl-fishery bycatch at Tuticorin fishing harbour, India on 21 April 2022. Morphometric and meristic characters were measured and compared with published data. The record of this species from India expands the known distribution of S. obtusa, previously reported from Myanmar eastward. The above species is a new addition to the list of marine fishes of Indian coastal waters.