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Scorpaena Cardinalis is distributed around Northern New Zealand, the Tasman Sea, and the Kermadec Islands. Scorpaena Plebia is considered a junior synonym of S. Cardinalis. Both are closely related to S Jacksoniensis of the genus Ruboralga, which is considered synonymous with genus Scorpaena. S. cooki and S. Cardinalis are often mistaken for being the same species as they appear to be very similar. However, they are distinguished by their eye size, as S. Cardinalis has a significantly smaller eye. Further, S. cooki has embedded scales on its ventral side whereas S. Cardinalis does not.

= Anatomy = Scorpaena Cardinalis has a laterally compressed body, more so posteriorly. There are many tentacles attached to the head. The fish has a dorsal fin with 12 toxic spines and 9 soft rays. The anal fin has 3 spines and 5 soft rays. The pelvic fin has 1 spine and 5 soft rays. The caudal fin has 11 branched rays.

The mouth is large and slightly oblique, and the teeth are present on vomer and palatines. The underside of the jaw is smooth with very little bumps and ridges.

Scorpaena Cardinalis can vary in coloration and pattern. Usually they are pinkish-red or reddish- orange with brown spots usually present. Posteriorly, they get darker. These mottled colors do not extend to their ventral side, due to being bottom dwelling fish.

= Habitat = S. Cardinalis is found in temperate waters. They use cryptic coloration in order to avoid predation, and can vary in color. It usually has skin flaps on the head and dorsal side in order to blend in with corals and the rocky areas in which they dwell. Present in coral reefs and rockpools, they are bottom dwellers, usually only moving when disturbed.

= Feeding and Diet = Scorpaena Cardinalis has a large mouth used for eating its prey whole. Typically, they wait motionless on the ocean floor for small fish or invertebrates to appear.