Myoxocephalus scorpius (Linnaeus, 1758)

Bull Rout, Father Lasher or Short-spined Sea Scorpion

Myoxocephalus scorpius

Description: Like all scorpion fish this species has a broad, spiny head and a stout, scaleless body. There are numerous small spines on the skin above and below the lateral line. The colour is very variable and can be camouflaged with that of the surroundings. It is usually mottled green above with orange (females) or red (males) on the underside. It is one of the largest scorpion fish that occurs in the waters around Britain and Ireland growing to 30cm in length.

Habitat: The bull rout occurs on a wide variety of seabed types at depths between 2-60m.

Distribution: This species is common all around the coasts of Britain and Ieland.

Similar Species: The bull rout is similar to the long-spined sea scorpion (Taurulus bubalis) and the Norway bullhead (Taurulus lilljeborgi) but can be distinguished by the absence of a barbel at the corners of the mouth.

Key Identification Features:

• Stout body and very broad head
• Spiny, scaleless skin
• Mottled coloration, usually well camouflaged
• Numerous small spines on either side of lateral line
• Absence of barbel at corners of mouth

Distribution Map: NBN map : National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

WoRMS: Species record : World Register of Marine Species.

iNaturalist: Species account : iNaturalist World Species Observations database