Scorpaena porcus
The black scorpionfish (*Scorpaena porcus*), also popularly known as "sea pig", is a benthic marine fish famous for its bizarre appearance and venomous spines. It is a master of camouflage, living on the sea floor where it blends perfectly with vegetation or rocks. Although a small-sized fish, it is a formidable predator in its ecological niche and requires caution when handling due to its venom.
It has a robust body, slightly laterally compressed, with a large and bulky head full of bony crests and cutaneous lobes (small skin "rags") that fragment its outline. The colour is usually brown-marbled, with reddish or black tones. The dorsal fin is equipped with hard, sharp rays connected to venom glands. The mouth is very wide, adapted to swallow surprisingly large prey in a single movement.
It is present in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean and Black Sea. It prefers coastal areas with rocky substrate or abundant vegetation (Zostera or Cystoseira meadows). In the Delta area, the scorpionfish is less common than on the southern coast, but may appear in areas with breakwaters or stone deposits in front of the river mouths.
It is a solitary, nocturnal and extremely sedentary predator. During the day it stays motionless among rocks, relying on camouflage to go unnoticed. It is an ambush hunter: when a small fish or shrimp passes nearby, the scorpionfish opens its mouth suddenly, creating a vacuum that sucks in the prey instantly.
Reproduction takes place in summer months. The female lays eggs in a transparent gelatinous mass that floats on the surface until hatching. This strategy gives the eggs temporary protection against small predators. The larvae are pelagic and, as they develop, descend to the bottom to adopt the benthic lifestyle characteristic of adults.
The species is classified as Least Concern (LC). Although not a target for industrial fishing, the scorpionfish is often caught accidentally. In Romania, it is popular among sport fishermen and divers. The main risk for local populations is degradation of rocky coastal areas and pollution of coastal waters.