The Speckled Scorpionfish (*Scorpaena plumieri*), recognized for its camouflaged, spiny appearance and potent venomous spines, inhabits rocky reefs and coastal waters throughout the western Atlantic, particularly in the Caribbean Sea and along the coasts of Central and South America. While not a primary commercial target due to its venomous spines and relatively modest size, the Speckled Scorpionfish is occasionally harvested as bycatch in artisanal and small-scale fisheries. The top countries involved in the incidental catch and limited local consumption of this species include Brazil, Venezuela, and several Caribbean nations such as Cuba and the Dominican Republic. In these regions, the fish is sometimes sold in local markets, valued for its firm, white flesh, though careful handling is required to avoid envenomation. The fishing industry for Speckled Scorpionfish remains small-scale and regionally focused, with little international trade or large-scale commercial exploitation.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecuador | 21 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.