The ruff fish that lives in the Black and Azov Seas, as well as in the Kerch Strait, has several names: small scorpion, sea ruff, scorpid, Black Sea scorpion ruff, Scorpaena porcus (Latin name). It belongs to the scorpion-like order, the scorpion family. It lives in the bottom layer at depths of about 40 m.
Appearance has a very specific ruff fish. The marine life is disproportionate, a flat part accounts for a third of the total length. On the body there are many spines (spikes) of different lengths and poisonousness. The eyes are huge, bulging, high. The mouth is large with small teeth. The color depends on the color of the seabed and can vary from red-brown tones to dark gray. There are dark spots all over the body that contribute to better camouflage. Here it is, ruff fish. The photo shows all her quirkiness.
Scorpion grows slowly, in adulthood it is rarely longer than 30 cm with a weight of 1 kg. As she grows, she has to change her “skin”, like snakes. The better she eats, the more often a kind of molt occurs. The first impression of the fish seen in the depths is a stone covered with algae. Occasionally, ruff fish swims in rivers with a calm course. It turns out that she is able to live in fresh water.
Ruff fish eats various crustaceans and small fish. And she does not have to chase anyone. She, remaining in place, waits for the prey to swim into her mouth, or makes a sharp throw when the object of her trade is within reach. This fish is inactive and not afraid.
Reproduction occurs in May-August. Spawning occurs in portions. Separate parts with eggs in the mucous membrane float to the surface of the sea. Immediately before the fry exit, the mucus dissolves. Hatched fry are for some time located at the surface, and then descend into the bottom layer, in which they live.
Ruff fish is poisonous. Most of the spines located on the back, abdomen and near the anus are suitable channels of the gland that produces poison. When you touch them, the skin moves away, exposing the "needle" through which a poisonous liquid is injected. Especially dangerous are such injuries in early spring, when fish have an elevated level of hormones. Fatal outcomes from a large amount of poison that has entered the human body are also known.
The ruff fish does not use thorns during hunting, it needs them only for protection. In case of danger, the scorpion directs its thorns towards the enemy and does not try to swim away at all. Fish taken out of the water, in addition to protruding spikes, can also make sounds similar to growls. She kind of warns that you should not touch her.
If an injection about her spike could not be avoided, then as much blood as possible can be squeezed out of the wound, from which the poison will also be removed. Further, the affected area should be held under a stream of hot water, and then consult a doctor.
Despite the poisonous spikes, ruff fish is edible. Moreover, she is considered a delicacy. Its meat is white, juicy, and if you bake it in foil, then you just "lick your fingers." It is believed that it is especially useful for men, as it enhances potency.
