Horned Barbfish
Scorpaena brasiliensis
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity |
|---|
Every order ships with our standard 3-hour live arrival guarantee. Need more time? Add our 5-Day Guarantee at checkout.
Full guarantee terms →Ships Monday – Thursday for next-day arrival at your nearest FedEx Hold location — typically ready by 9 AM. We monitor every delivery.
Shipping details →
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive |
| Reef Safe | With Caution |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 55 gallons |
| Max Size | 12 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Horned Barbfish (Scorpaena brasiliensis) is a Western Atlantic scorpionfish known for a mottled red-brown body, bold head structure, and tassel-like cirri that help it blend into live rock and rubble zones. It typically spends its time perched on the bottom, then makes quick, controlled lunges when food passes by. This ambush-hunting style makes it a standout choice for predator-focused marine aquariums.
What You’ll Observe:
- Long still “perching” periods followed by sudden feeding strikes
- Regular repositioning between rock ledges, caves, and sand-edge areas
- A strong “begging” response when you approach the glass at feeding time
- Short bursts into the water column, then a return to a favorite resting spot
Provide stable rockwork with multiple shaded perches and open lanes in front of them for target feeding. Offer varied meaty marine foods (shrimp, squid, fish flesh) using tongs or a feeding stick so the barbfish can lock on and strike cleanly. Does best with tankmates that are too large to be swallowed and that won’t outcompete it at mealtime.
How do hobbyists usually transition a new Horned Barbfish onto frozen foods?
Many keepers start with tong/feeding-stick presentations and use small, clearly moving pieces of thawed food so the fish can “key in” and strike.
How often should I feed a Barbfish once it’s eating well?
A consistent schedule works best; many owners rotate portions across the week rather than feeding large meals, and they vary foods to keep nutrition broad.
Why did my Barbfish look brown at first and then turn more orange/red later?
Color often shifts as the fish settles in, feeds consistently, and adapts to lighting and surroundings; changes can be gradual over several weeks.
Is it normal for a Barbfish to “walk” or prop itself up on the bottom?
Yes—perching and bracing on the substrate/rock is common behavior, especially when it’s watching for food or choosing a resting spot.
How do people make sure a Barbfish gets its share of food in a predator community tank?
Target feeding with a stick/tongs (sometimes in the same spot each time) helps it learn a routine and prevents faster hunters from intercepting every bite.
Our selection process means you get robust, well-adjusted specimens that settle in quickly.
Recently viewed products