Scorpionfish. Sea ruff: appearance, fishing for Black Sea scorpionfish Sea ruff in the Black Sea

Scorpena– predatory bottom sea ​​fish scorpion family, leading sedentary image life in the coastal zone of the Black Sea with depths of up to 50 meters. Due to its similarity with its freshwater counterparts, river ruffs, scorpionfish received its second informal name - sea ruff. In addition to the double name, this fish is the bearer of several more mysteries of nature.

TO commercial fish scorpionfish does not apply. It is usually caught by amateur fishermen, although they are also attracted to it not so much by its size as by the taste of the fish soup obtained from it.

In the Black Sea there are two species of this fish: the Black Sea scorpionfish, reaching a length of 30 centimeters and a weight of 1 kilogram, and the noticeable scorpionfish - up to 15 centimeters and weighing 200-300 grams. It is very difficult to distinguish them from each other; not everyone can immediately determine what kind of fish they have in their hands: a noticeable scorpionfish that has reached full maturity or a young Black Sea scorpionfish?

The only acceptable sign for anglers by which it is possible to distinguish these two species is the presence of a noticeable characteristic large black spot on the dorsal fin. There is one more sign: in the Black Sea scorpionfish, the supraorbital processes, similar to rag flaps, are much longer than in the noticeable scorpionfish. But this difference, in my opinion, belongs more to the competence of ichthyologists, because it is unlikely that any amateur will want to run around the boat with a ruler to establish the truth about what kind of fish he caught.

Where and when are scorpionfish caught?

Catching scorpionfish from the shore, unlike catching it from a boat at sea, does not require large expenses, special skills or effort, which is why it is very popular among both boys and experienced fishermen.

The most convenient places are piers, piers, breakwaters, rocks, stone embankments or shores, especially where near these places there are large and small boulders on the bottom covered with aquatic vegetation. In such areas, scorpionfish stay in crevices and in algae bushes, waiting and ambush hunting for small fish and crustaceans (greenfish, gobies, shrimp, crabs).

Hooked by scorpion fish all year round, but for a number of reasons, the main one being comfortable temperature, fishermen prefer to catch it in the summer. This fish is most active at night.

If the bite is good, and it starts at sunset, you can sit out all night long. I’ll tell you without undue modesty: last summer, after spending three hours fishing from ten in the evening to one in the morning, I caught about two dozen scorpionfish of various sizes using a spinning rod and a sea circle.

Tackle for catching scorpionfish

Scorpionfish are not the kind of fish that you need to be very clever with your gear to catch. Nowadays there are many different types of gear, but based on my personal experience, I’ll share with you only two: a spinning rod with the installation of bottom gear and a sea circle. In my opinion, they are the most optimal for catching this predatory fish, they are simple and easy to use and at the same time very effective.

Spinning
Installation of bottom gear:
light rod up to three meters long;
classic inertia reel “Nevskaya” or any reliable inertia-free reel;
main line with a diameter of 0.3-0.35 millimeters;
one bead;
carbine;
bid.

The bead must be larger in diameter than the circumference of the tulip, so that in the dark when winding the fishing line, the bead must not frequently fall into the rings. The bet is a fishing line with a diameter of 0.16-0.25 millimeters with hooks No. 5-9 located on it on two leashes 5-7 centimeters long and with a sinker at the end. The distance between the leashes is 15 centimeters.

Marine circle
The design is a metal ring with a diameter of 25 centimeters or a hoop, bent from thick wire with small cuts previously made on it. The number of cuts depends on the number of leads and serves to firmly fix them on the circle. 4-5 leashes 15 centimeters long with hooks No. 5-9 are tied in a circle. A strong string is attached directly to the ring. The line supply is calculated based on the height of the structure above sea level from which you are fishing, and the depth at the fishing site.

Bait for scorpionfish

When fishing for this fish, bait and bait are used extremely rarely. Although even the simplest bait in the form of crushed shells of mollusks such as mussels and rapana will collect scorpion fish from all over the area quite quickly. Also, small fish cut into steaks, such as horse mackerel, is also good as a bait.

As a rule, they are used as attachments boiled shrimp, squid meat, chicken and fish fillet. But still, despite the large assortment of baits, scorpionfish most often prefer fresh shrimp or sliced ​​freshly caught fish.

The scorpion fish's gluttony is amazing: it is not at all frightened by large pieces of meat or fish on hooks. Thanks to its huge mouth with a lower jaw extending far forward, it is able to grab and hold prey that is larger than itself.

Stories about insatiable sea ruffes are known everywhere. I also heard one of these from a diver friend of mine. It turns out that during his next dive, in one of the crevices of the underwater rock, he noticed a scorpionfish, in the throat of which a roulina sticking out, similar in size to it. Everything would be fine, well, I caught myself a fish for lunch, so what’s wrong with that. But that was not the case! For two more days, my friend had to observe this picture, and only on the third day the ruff swallowed its victim and remained lying in the same crevice as if nothing had happened.

Fishing technique

The technique of catching scorpionfish using such gear as a spinning rod with an installation and a sea circle is extremely simple. They fish with these tackles exclusively in a plumb line: in the first case, they lower the stake to the bottom, select the slack and, having made a stretch, wait for bites; in the second - lowering the ring on the string to the bottom, leaving the tackle for 15-20 minutes.

When fishing with a spinning rod, the bite of a scorpionfish is felt as a series of short-term pulls, and then a significant jerk. There is absolutely no need for a fisherman to bother himself with thoughts about when a scorpion fish will bite on a circle; it greedily takes the bait and very rarely lets go.

I would like to draw your attention to the fact that when fishing with a spinning rod, a delay in hooking can allow the scorpionfish to hide under a stone or in a crevice, and then a break in the rate is inevitable. There is no need to worry about this about the circle, since the fish hooks itself, and the ring and short leashes will not allow it to go far into the stones and tightly hook the tackle.

Removing a scorpion fish from the water is quite simple, but once it is on the shore, the fisherman’s troubles are just beginning. And this is where the well-known proverb comes in handy more than ever: “Take the ruff off the hook slowly.”

Safety precautions when removing scorpion fish from a hook

The caught fish is released from the hook with great care so as not to get stuck on the poisonous spines. And she doesn’t have many or few of them, but only one that you accidentally didn’t notice can cause unbearable pain. To prevent this from happening, I will bring you up to date by going a little deeper into ichthyology.

The scorpionfish's venomous apparatus is represented by poisonous glands located at the base of each ray of the anterior part of the dorsal fin, the first ray of the pelvic fin and the first three rays of the anal fin. (see photo)

There are as many ways to remove hooks from the mouth of a scorpion fish as there are fishermen. Without entering into a debate with anyone about the originality of certain methods, I will describe only one, from my point of view, the safest.

Having pressed the scorpionfish with the handle of the rod, I grab it with pliers or a surgical clamp by the lower lip and with scissors I cut off everything that sticks out on it away from harm, and then with a clear conscience I take out the hook and throw it into the bucket.

How to avoid unwanted consequences

Scorpena ranks ninth in the top 10 most dangerous representatives aquatic fauna in the world. Scorpionfish injections, although not lethal, are, admittedly, quite painful. As a rule, they cause painful shock, swelling and redness of the affected areas of the body. Sometimes there is profuse sweating and vomiting.

But there are also exceptions. An interesting fact is that fishermen who have once received injections from this fish develop some kind of immunity to their poison, as a result of which they are completely free from any reactions and symptoms in the future. Just don’t get me wrong: I in no way urge you to harden yourself in this way, but, on the contrary, I want to warn you against conducting this kind of experiment.

In order not to be taken by surprise when meeting with a scorpionfish and to avoid undesirable consequences, you will need knowledge of the simplest medical procedures for providing first aid. First, it is necessary to determine the injection site; second, carefully remove the thorn fragments; third, compress the wound and allow the blood to flow as long as possible; fourth - disinfect the wound by washing it sea ​​water or hydrogen peroxide, if you have it available.

Unique gastronomic qualities of scorpionfish

Concluding the conversation about scorpionfish, one cannot fail to mention the gastronomic properties and qualities of its meat. The meat of this fish is white, elastic and slightly sweet in taste. Scorpionfish are dried, fried, boiled, used in soups and jellied dishes - all traditional culinary methods are suitable.

And, of course, the legendary Black Sea scorpion fish soup, which, according to rumors, surpasses even sterlet in its unsurpassed taste. And they also say that their positive influence on male body Scorpionfish meat makes you nervously smoke the famous “Viagra” on the sidelines.

So, dear fishermen, catching scorpionfish in the Black Sea, and then eating it, is not only a pleasant pastime, but also good good health.

There are fish in Anapa that it is better not to meet one-on-one in the sea, but it is advisable to try them fried in the resort cafe. Such formidable representatives of the underwater flora of the Black Sea include the sea ruff or scorpionfish.

The scorpion fish lives in many southern and tropical countries where tourists like to relax. Our sea ruffe, the northernmost species of scorpion fish, lives in the Black Sea and loves coastal rocky places. The fish can be found on the High Coast, the beaches of Utrish and Sukko. The sea ruffe has a red-brown color for good camouflage in dense algae and stones and has a size of about 15-20 centimeters. The sea ruffe spreads its lateral and dorsal poisonous fins when in danger. It is necessary to handle this species with caution, because... You can get hurt from the injection.

How to protect yourself from a scorpionfish injection

It is not as easy for a simple bather to step on a ruff as it might seem. Usually, when a person approaches, the scorpion fish quickly swims away. You need to be careful in rough seas and storms, because... It is not so easy for the ruffe to notice bathers at this time. The main injuries occur when a person attempts to become intimately acquainted with Black Sea ruff. Fishermen, divers and snorkelers who try to touch or remove scorpion fish from a hook come across poisonous spines.

What to do when getting an injection black sea ruffe

If you find yourself a victim of a scorpionfish injection, do not panic, no one has ever died from this. When injected, poison enters the body. The victim needs rest. The wound site, usually the heel or foot, should be dipped in hot water(temperature 45-50 degrees). You can take antiallergic medications. Usually unpleasant symptoms pass in one or two days.

How to cook ruff

Sea ruff is a delicacy and can be tasted in fish dishes. Very tasty fried fillet of sea ruffe and fish soup.

Many divers and fishermen know who the Black Sea scorpion fish are, having been repeatedly burned by its sharp and poisonous spines. Some can't just float by unusual fish and become victims of curiosity, others hunt for delicious meat, which they get at the cost of pain. The beauty of the sea ruffe is deceptive; behind it lies a self-confident predator, capable of standing up for itself and fighting back.

Spreading

The Black Sea scorpionfish is an indigenous inhabitant of the Eastern Atlantic, from Britain to the Strait of Gibraltar, the northwestern coast of Africa, the Mediterranean and Black seas. It also appears in Azov, but not so often. Being a completely marine fish and demanding on the salinity of water, it does not swim into river mouths and estuaries.

Leading a passive bottom lifestyle, it is most often found at depths of up to 40 meters, but can go deeper. Favorite places are coastal algae thickets and rocky areas of shallow water, where fish can lie in ambush for days without moving.

Description

The Latin name scorpionfish (Scorpaena porcus) gives its name to a family of more than 200 species of fish, and the Black Sea fish is also often called the sea ruffe or scorpionfish. This is a small fish, with a large flattened snout, large lips and bulging eyes, above which spiky tentacles grow. The head is covered with tubercles and patches of skin; the mouth contains powerful jaws with small sharp teeth, on the gill covers there are several spines-growths.

The dorsal fin is long, consisting of a couple of dozen rays, some of which are hard and spiny (12), others soft (9), in the anal fin there are 3 and 5, respectively. Breasts are soft, large size, with 16-18 veins, and on the tail there are three vertical stripes. The scales of the scorpion fish are of medium size, spotted camouflage color, which is dominated by brown colors, dark and light tones. There are also tubercles and skin flaps along the body that help the fish to merge with environment. On average, it grows to 15-20 centimeters in length (maximum - 40 cm), in weight - 500-600 grams (individuals - 0.9-1.5 kilograms).

The Black Sea scorpionfish has two features: it poisonous fish and she can shed. Molting occurs in a similar way to that of a snake, when the skin peels off completely, in a “cover,” with a frequency of up to 2 times a month, but usually this lunar cycle. The frequency is influenced by both the quality of the sea ruffe’s diet and the ecology of the habitat - which better conditions life, the more often the fish changes its skin.

The second feature is the poisonous glands located at the base of the fins. The poison, which is not destroyed even after the death of the fish, is contained in the rays and gill spines of the sea ruffe.

Important! The Black Sea scorpionfish is not a shy fish, it allows people to get close to it, so it seems like an easy prey. This is far from true. There have been no deaths from injections by an inhabitant of the Black Sea, but the poison is strong enough to cause severe pain, an allergic reaction and the need for medical attention.

Nutrition

The sea ruff is a predator. Lazy but effective. The fish does not have a swim bladder, which is why it easily spends the whole day in ambush, patiently waiting for prey. Usually in algae or a pile of rocks. When prey appears, the scorpionfish rushes at the victim, swallowing it with a stream of water. The inedible is spat out.

The developed lateral line and processes on the head, which detect the slightest fluctuations in water, help “see” and identify prey. Therefore, the fish is most active at night, easily navigating in the dark. The main prey is small fish, crustaceans and benthic invertebrates.

Reproduction

The Black Sea ruffe spawns in the summer, when the water is warmest (July-September). The eggs are thrown in portions, enclosed in a lump of mucus, which floats to the upper layers of the sea. After the fry emerges, it remains at the surface for some time, but quite soon sinks to the bottom and acquires the bottom habits of adults. One female can lay up to 350 thousand eggs per season.

Meaning

Poisonous spines serve to protect the juicy delicious meat that the Black Sea scorpionfish possesses and which is valued for its taste qualities. It is considered dietary, contains many vitamins and microelements, consumption improves metabolism in the body, and has a beneficial effect on the nervous system. At the same time, the characteristics of the fish and the difficulty of processing do not allow it to be made a commercial species.

Scorpionfish are also frequent guests in aquariums, especially tropical species, but require certain conditions and separate maintenance, as they are capable of destroying its other inhabitants. Often the sea ruffe can be found in the form of stuffed souvenirs on the shelves of Black Sea cities.

Description

Black Sea scorpionfish (from Latin Scorpaena porcus) - predatory fish, living in the Mediterranean and Black Seas, as well as off the African and European coasts Atlantic Ocean. Sometimes found in the Sea of ​​Azov. The second name of the fish is “Black Sea ruff”. The flattened head of the scorpion fish occupies one third of the body. The head has purple, bulging eyes and a huge mouth with thick lips that can easily swallow a whole crab, and powerful jaws. The head is armed with spikes and long, flap-like tentacles. The entire body is covered with tubercles, warts, rays and flaps of skin, with the help of which the scorpionfish disguises itself as stones overgrown with vegetation. The dorsal fin of the Black Sea ruffe has spiny rays, which are always straightened and raised upward in the form of spines. The size of the fish reaches 40 cm in length, and its weight is approximately 1.5 kg. The Black Sea scorpionfish has poisonous glands located at the base of the spiny rays of the dorsal, ventral and anal fins. There are about 20 such rays, which serve as protection for scorpion fish from predators, on the fish’s body. Poison is also found on the gill covers and bone spines. Scorpionfish has interesting feature: She sheds regularly, and sheds her old skin like a snake, like a “stocking.” Shedding can occur up to twice a month. The fish has a bizarre variegated color. Juveniles are light yellow or cream colored with reddish-brown spots and irregular vertical stripes. With age, the color darkens, dark brown with wide vertical blurry stripes. Pink, crimson-yellow and black scorpionfish are sometimes found.

This predator feeds on small fish and crustaceans, lying in wait for them. The scorpionfish can hunt in complete darkness because it has organs on its head and sides that help capture currents of water from a moving object. Lives in coastal strips, among stones and algae thickets. The fish is sedentary and not shy. In the warm season (June-September), scorpionfish spawn, laying eggs in separate portions enclosed in transparent mucous membranes. Before the larvae hatch, these mucous sacs burst and the eggs are released from the common shell. The emerging juveniles do not remain in the water column for long, and then move on to life at the bottom. Scorpion - nocturnal predator, so it’s best to catch it after dark. The calm hours after a storm are optimal for fishing, as the fish move close to the shore in search of food.

Scorpion fish meat is eaten. The main thing is to be careful when cleaning this fish so as not to get injured by its spines. The fish is highly sticky, so it is used to make jelly for jellied fish and fish soup. Ruffs can be fried and also used as an additive when cooking fish soup from other fish, as they enhance the taste of fish broth. To keep the fish tender and juicy, you should cook it in dishes with liquid (gravy). Scorpionfish baked in the oven or fried on the grill becomes very dry. In Turkish cuisine, Black Sea scorpion fish soup is very popular and is considered a delicacy. Fish especially strongly absorbs the aromas of spicy plants growing on the rocks under which it lives: laurel, thyme and myrtle.

Composition, calorie content and beneficial properties black sea scorpionfish

Despite its terrifying appearance, scorpionfish are useful and are considered one of delicious fish Black Sea. Its white, juicy and elastic meat has a slightly sweet taste. It is believed that the meat of this fish has a positive effect on the male body. Rich in macro and microelements such as chromium, zinc, fluorine, nickel, molybdenum, as well as vitamin PP (nicotinic acid). Nicotinic acid is involved in protein and carbohydrate metabolism in the body, helps reduce cholesterol in the blood, activates the functioning of the brain and central nervous system. Due to the presence of vitamin PP, scorpionfish dishes can prevent a skin disease that causes “rough skin” - pellagra.

Black Sea scorpionfish belongs to the group of skinny fish, such as hake, cod, flounder, tench, containing no more than 80-90 calories per 100 g finished product. Therefore, the meat of such fish can be safely included in a low-calorie diet.

Contraindications: be careful, poisonous scorpionfish!

Scorpionfish have poisonous spines. The effect of the poison is not fatal, but very unpleasant - like a wasp sting. Wounds from the thorns of this fish cause burning pain, the skin around the wound turns red and swells, there may be general malaise and elevated temperature. It might start allergic reaction, therefore, immediately after being pricked with thorns, you should take an antihistamine (anti-allergic) drug. Wounds should be treated like regular scratches. In any case, if this fish is affected by poison, it is better to consult a doctor.

Most often, fishermen suffer from ruffe thorns when they pull them out of nets or remove them from a fishing hook. When cleaning scorpionfish, care must also be taken so that the poison from the spines, bone spines and gill covers does not get into small wounds and cracks on the skin of the hands. The poison persists even in those fish that have been left in the refrigerator. The ruff must be beheaded and removed dorsal fins, and only after that start cutting up the carcass.

Scorpionfish are one of the most dangerous sea animals. Even the name of these fish comes from the accepted foreign languages the name "scorpion fish", which indicates strong toxicity. Despite the fact that scorpionfish cannot be called beautiful, few can compete with them in the colorfulness and whimsicality of their forms. Systematically, several genera of fish from the scorpionfish family of the order Scorpiformes are classified as scorpionfish. Lionfish and spiny lionfish are very close to them, more distant relatives of scorpionfish are warts, sea ​​bass, sea ​​cocks and triggles.

Red scorpionfish (Scorpaena scrofa).

Scorpion fish are small and medium-sized fish, the length of most species does not exceed 30 cm. They are characterized by a large head and a shortened body, sharply tapering towards the tail. The tail itself is small and inconspicuous, but the fins are large, with highly developed rays. The dorsal fin is divided into two parts by a notch: in the anterior part, 7-17 rays have turned into sharp spines; in the rear part there is one such spine. In addition, there is one spine in the pelvic fins and 2-3 in the anal fin. Each spine has two grooves through which mucus flows, secreted by poisonous glands at the base of the spine. This structural principle is a bit like the structure of poisonous teeth in snakes. In addition to spines, scorpionfish have a bony bridge under the eye that protects the head, which is why these fish are sometimes called armor-cheeked. Scorpionfish also have short spines on their cheeks, but they are not poisonous. The eyes of these fish are bulging like those of toads and frogs.

The mouth of scorpionfish is large and, if necessary, can open very wide.

Scorpionfish share another property unique to fish with snakes. The fact is that scorpionfish... shed! They change periodically skin(for example, the Black Sea scorpionfish does this every month), and, like snakes, scorpionfish shed their entire skin in the form of a stocking. But the main thing distinguishing feature scorpionfish are numerous outgrowths that cover the body of the fish. They can be developed into varying degrees- from short tufts imitating moss to branched formations reminiscent of algae or coral. This ambience is complemented by variegated colors.

The richness and variegation of the scorpionfish's coloring is reminiscent of an oriental carpet.

Although the color scheme of most species is reduced to red-brown tones, many small multi-colored spots, lines, stains and halftones make the pattern incredibly rich, and the scorpionfish itself - invisible against the motley background of the coral reef.

The complex pattern of the lace scorpionfish (Rhinopias aphanes) continuously flows from the body to the fins, creating a perfect resemblance to a coral branch.

The color of the lace scorpionfish is very variable: among the representatives of this species you can find red, yellow, black, single-colored and multi-colored individuals. Males and females of all scorpionfish look the same.

This gloomy fish is also a lacy scorpionfish.

Another outfit from the rich “wardrobe” of lace scorpions.

The habitat of scorpionfish covers all tropical and subtropical zones globe. Many species of scorpionfish can be found on the islands of the Malay Archipelago, the Philippines, and Thailand. One of the most northern species- Black Sea scorpionfish, or sea ruffe, which lives in the Black Sea. In general, all scorpionfish live exclusively in salt water, favorite places their habitats coastal zones and shallow waters of coral atolls, but some species can be found at depths of up to 2000 m. Scorpionfish spend most of their time completely motionless, lying on the bottom waiting for prey. They swim rarely and for short distances, but if necessary they can make rapid leaps. Scorpionfish lead a solitary lifestyle; according to some reports, some species are active only at night.

Echmeyer's scorpionfish (Rhinopias eschmeyeri).

Scorpionfish are predators that hunt from ambush. Not only are these fish difficult to distinguish from the surrounding landscape, but they also burrow into the ground in such a way that only their eyes are visible from the outside (that’s why they are so bulging). The scorpionfish waits patiently in ambush for hours until the victim comes into view, then the scorpionfish quickly opens its mouth and the victim is literally carried into it by the current. Since these fish attack small animals, they swallow their prey whole. Scorpion fish hunt small fish, crustaceans (shrimp) and cephalopods(primarily squid). Deep sea species scorpionfish and those that hunt at night detect prey thanks to a highly developed lateral line, which in scorpionfish has moved to the head. Thanks to this line, predators sense water vibrations produced by the prey and determine its location even in pitch darkness.

California scorpionfish (Scorpaena guttata) eats squid (Doryteuthis opalescens).

Scorpionfish lay their eggs in separate portions, packaged in mucus balloons. These balloons float to the surface of the water and there break up into individual eggs. The floating eggs hatch into larvae, which at first stay near the surface of the water, but after maturing a little, they descend into the bottom layers.

Californian scorpionfish caviar.

In nature, scorpionfish have few enemies, given their excellent camouflage, low mobility and strong poisonousness. But for humans, scorpionfish are of dual interest. On the one hand, these fish pose a real danger to divers, swimmers, and even people just relaxing on the shore. The thing is that the skillful camouflage of scorpionfish does not allow them to detect the fish in time, so it is very easy to prick themselves on its spines. What complicates the situation is that scorpionfish often find themselves washed ashore, and their spines can pierce even light shoes. When injected, poison immediately enters the wound, which causes very severe pain. The pain increases over time and can even lead to loss of consciousness from painful shock. In addition, the components of the poison cause a decrease in blood pressure, swelling of the lungs and the affected limb, and numbness. Symptoms do not go away within a few days, but deaths from scorpion poisoning are rare.

Flat-headed scorpenopsis (Scorpaenopsis oxycephala).

On the other hand, the Black Sea and Californian scorpionfish have considerable gastronomic value. Their meat is very tasty and gives excellent fat, so scorpionfish are often used to make fish soup and fish soups. Scorpionfish are caught along with other fish, and cut with gloves separately from other species. Meat freed from thorns does not pose any danger. Scorpionfish are also attractive to aquarists, although keeping them at home is not easy. When keeping scorpion fish, it is important to provide them with shelters in aquariums, good aeration and water filtration. Scorpionfish feed on small fish and crustaceans (brine shrimp); with fish of equal size, scorpionfish behave peacefully and get along well with their neighbors.