Rhinopias
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Rhinopias eschmeyeri, Eschmeyer's Scorpionfish. Scott W. Michael
Family: Scorpaenidae
Species in Genus Rhinopias:
none
SCORPIONFISHES
In the past few years, these amazing scorpionfishes have become more common in the aquarium trade and will elicit a reaction in even the most jaded marine enthusiasts. But they are not common anywhere they occur in nature, which means fishing pressures could deplete local populations.
They also present husbandry challenges. Live food (e.g., gut-packed ghost shrimp, mollies, guppies) is needed for feeding, and many individuals may never accept anything else.
Avoid keeping them with species that eat encrusting invertebrates—they mistake these fishes for food. They are highly predatory and will eat any fish they can ingest (do not underestimate the size of their jaws).
They are susceptible to bacterial infections if injured and can succumb to skin parasites. They spend most of their time in the open and are relatively inactive—although spectacular, even in repose. Small individuals can be kept in modestly sized aquariums (20 gallons [78 L]). These scorpionfishes are often best kept in a tank with rubble and some open sand bottom.