Scorpion Fish Facts (Scorpaenidae)

Scorpion Fish Facts (Scorpaenidae) The term scorpion fish refers to a group of ray-finned fishes in the family Scorpaenidae. Collectively, they are called rockfish or stonefish because they are bottom dwellers camouflaged to resemble rocks or coral. The family includes 10 subfamilies and at least 388 species. Important genera include the lionfish (Pterois sp.) and stonefish (Synanceia sp.). All scorpion fish have venomous spines, giving the fish their common name. While stings can be fatal to humans, the fish are not aggressive and only sting when threatened or injured. Fast Facts: Scorpion Fish Scientific Name: Scorpaenidae (species include Pterois volitans, Synaceia horrida)Other Names: Lionfish, stonefish, scorpionfish, rockfish, firefish, dragonfish, turkeyfish, stingfish, butterfly codDistinguishing Features: Compressed body with wide mouth and conspicuous, venomous dorsal spinesAverage Size: Under 0.6 meters (2 feet)Diet: CarnivorousLife Span: 15 yearsHabitat: Coastal tropical, subtropical, and temperate seas worldwideConservation Status: Least ConcernKingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ActinopterygiiOrder: ScorpaeniformesFamily: ScorpaenidaeFun Fact: Scorpion fish not aggressive. They only sting if they are threatened or injured. Description The scorpion fish has a compressed body with ridges or spines on its head, 11 to 17 dorsal spines, and pectoral fins with well-developed rays. The fish come in all colors. Lionfish are brightly colored, so potential predators can identify them as a threat. Stonefish, on the other hand, have mottled coloring that camouflages them against rocks and coral. The average adult scorpion fish is under 0.6 meters (2 feet) in length. Except for lionfish, scorpion fish have a mottled coloration that serves as camouflage. LITTLE DINOSAUR / Getty Images Distribution Most members of the Scorpaenidae family live in the Indo-Pacific, but species occur worldwide in tropical, subtropical, and temperate seas. Scorpion fish tend to live in shallow coastal water. However, a few species occur as deep as 2200 meters (7200 feet). They are well-camouflaged against reefs, rocks, and sediment, so they spend most of their time near the sea floor. The red lionfish and common lionfish are invasive species in the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean off the coast of the United States. The only effective method of control to date has been NOAAs campaign of Lionfish as Food. Encouraging consumption of the fish not only helps control lionfish population density, but also helps protect overfished grouper and snapper populations. Reproduction and Life Cycle Female scorpion fish release between 2,000 and 15,000 eggs into the water, which are fertilized by the male. After mating, the adults move away and seek cover to minimize attention from predators. The eggs then float to the surface to minimize predation. Eggs hatch in after two days. The newly-hatched scorpion fish, called fry, remain near the surface until they are around about an inch long. At this time, they sink to the bottom to seek a crevice and begin hunting. Scorpion fish live up to 15 years. Diet and Hunting The carnivorous scorpion fish preys upon other fish (including other scorpion fish), crustaceans, mollusks, and other invertebrates. A scorpion fish will eat virtually any other animal that can be swallowed whole. Most scorpion fish species are nocturnal hunters, while lionfish are most active in the morning daylight hours. Some scorpion fish wait for prey to approach. Lionfish actively hunt and attack prey, using a bilateral swim bladder to precisely control body position. To catch prey, a scorpion fish blows a jet of water toward its victim, disorienting it. If the prey is a fish, the jet of water also causes it to orient against the current so that its facing the scorpion fish. Head-first capture is easier, so this technique improves hunting efficiency. Once the prey is positioned correctly, the scorpion fish sucks in its prey whole. In some cases, the fish uses its spines to stun prey, but this behavior is fairly uncommon. Predators While its likely that predation of eggs and fry is the primary form of natural population control of scorpion fish, its unclear what percentage of scorpion fish young are eaten. Adults have few predators, but sharks, rays, snappers, and sea lions have been observed hunting the fish. Sharks appear to be immune to scorpion fish venom. Although scorpion fish are venomous, they are gentle animals. This diver is feeding a lionfish. Justin Okoye / EyeEm / Getty Images Scorpion fish arent fished commercially because of the risk of stings. However, they are edible, and cooking the fish neutralizes the venom. For sushi, the fish may be eaten raw if the venomous dorsal fins are removed before preparation. Scorpion Fish Venom and Stings Scorpion fish erect their spines and inject venom if they are bitten by a predator, grabbed, or stepped on. The venom contains a mixture of neurotoxins. Typical symptoms of poisoning include intense, throbbing pain that lasts up to 12 hours, peaking in the first hour or two following the sting, as well as redness, bruising, numbness, and swelling at the sting site. Severe reactions include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, tremors, decreased blood pressure, shortness of breath, and abnormal heart rhythms. Paralysis, seizures, and death are possible, but are usually restricted to stonefish poisoning. The young and elderly are more susceptible to the venom than healthy adults. Death is rare, but some people are allergic to the venom and may suffer anaphylactic shock. Australian hospitals keep stonefish anti-venom on hand. For other species and for stonefish first aid, the first step is to remove the victim from water to prevent drowning. Vinegar may be applied to reduce pain, while the venom may be inactivated by immersing the sting site in hot water for 30 to 90 minutes. Tweezers should be used to remove any remaining spines and the area should be scrubbed with soap and water and then flushed with fresh water. Medical care is required for all scorpion fish, lionfish, and stonefish stings, even if the venom appears to be deactivated. Its important to be certain that no spine remnants remain in the flesh. A tetanus booster may be recommended. Conservation Status Most species of scorpion fish have not been evaluated in terms of conservation status. However, the stonefish Synanceia verrucosa and Synanceia horrida are listed as least concern on the IUCN Red List, with stable populations. The luna lionfish Pterois lunulata and red lionfish Pterois volitans are also least concern. The population of red lionfish, an invasive species, is increasing. While no significant threats face scorpion fish at this time, they may be at risk from habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. Sources Doubilet, David (November 1987). Scorpionfish: Danger in Disguise. National Geographic. Vol. 172 no. 5. pp. 634–643. ISSN 0027-9358Eschmeyer, William N. (1998). Paxton, J.R.; Eschmeyer, W.N., eds. Encyclopedia of Fishes. San Diego: Academic Press. pp. 175–176. ISBN 0-12-547665-5.Morris J.A. Jr., Akins J.L. (2009). Feeding ecology of invasive lionfish (Pterois volitans) in the Bahamian archipelago. Environmental Biology of Fishes. 86 (3): 389–398. doi:10.1007/s10641-009-9538-8Sauners P.R., Taylor P.B. (1959). Venom of the lionfish  Pterois volitans.  American Journal of Physiology.  197: 437–440Taylor, G. (2000). Toxic fish spine injury: Lessons from 11 years experience. South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society Journal. 30 (1). ISSN 0813-1988

Writing Memoirsâ€What You Need to Know to Avoid Being Sued

Writing Memoirs- What You Need to Know to Avoid Being Sued Writing Memoirs- What You Need to Know to Avoid Being Sued Everyone wants to avoid being sued. Litigation is expensive, time-consuming, and incredibly stressful. Most writers don’t have much to worry about. The odds that they’ll end up in a courtroom for something they wrote are fairly low. Our First Amendment right to free speech offers significant protection to write freely. One exception to this rule is the world of memoir.The reason the memoir genre is compelling is because it’s fascinating to read the dirty details of others’ lives. Memoir authors usually don’t write about rainbows and sunshine, they write about the salacious. Abuse, sex, addiction, and family drama- it’s the Sturm und Drang that people want to read about. This is the primary reason why memoirs open the door for lawsuits.There’s a fine balance when you’re writing your memoir. Of course, it’s your story, and as such, you want it to be told without barriers. Yet, you need to consider those you’re writin g about. They may not want to be part of your story. And, in some cases, if you violate the law, they may have the right to retaliate with a lawsuit.We can all agree that there are better things to spend your book royalties on than exorbitant legal fees. Read on for tips to avoid going from published author to professional despondent. (Note: Our first disclaimer- this article does not constitute professional legal advice. For real legal advice, consult your real live counsel, rather than looking things up on the Internet.)1. Case Study: Running with ScissorsSince we’re discussing legal issues, it seems fitting to start with a case study on the issues of memoir, defamation, and invasion of privacy.Critically acclaimed author Augusten Burroughs published the best-selling memoir, Running with Scissors in 2003. In his book, he recalled his time living with the fictional â€Å"Finches.† His book recounted abuse, drug use, dysfunctional family behavior, living in squalor, an d other unsavory details any family wouldn’t want blasted all over printed pages.Burroughs claimed that while he did change the name of the family (in real life, the Turcottes), the harrowing details of his time spent in their care were true. The Turcottes filed a defamation and invasion of privacy torts suit against Burroughs and his publisher. The family asserted that Burroughs fabricated facts and violated their privacy.Burroughs’ defense hinged on his assertion that the facts, as he wrote them, were true; therefore he had not broken any laws. The parties settled out of court. As part of the settlement, Burroughs changed his acknowledgments to say the Turcottes had â€Å"conflicting memories† of the described events. Burroughs was legally obligated to amend his book acknowledgments to read as follows:I would like to thank the real-life members of the family portrayed in this book for taking me into their home and accepting me as one of their own. I recognize that their memories of the events described in this book are different than my own. They are each fine, decent and hard-working people. The book was not intended to hurt the family. Both my publisher and I regret any unintentional harm resulting from the publishing and marketing of Running With Scissors.2. Understand the ConceptsThe best defense is a good offense. In litigation that means don’t do anything that will get you sued. Before you publish your memoir, it’s important that you understand your rights to free speech, as well as defamation and invasion of privacy issues.First Amendment ProtectionThe First Amendment protects your right to free speech. This protection applies to both the spoken and written word.DefamationIn short, defamation is when you ruin a person’s reputation. Blacks Law Dictionary defines defamation as, â€Å"The taking from one’s reputation. The offense of injuring a persons character, fame, or reputation by false and malicious statements.† The term covers both libel (written) and slander (spoken).Only living people can sue for defamation, so someone can’t file a lawsuit against you for defamation through an estate or relatives.Invasion of PrivacyInvasion of privacy lawsuits hinge on public disclosure of private facts. Private facts are sensitive information that the average person would not want to share with the general public; for example, medical records, adoption records, abuse, alcoholism, etc. Just as with defamation, an invasion of privacy suit can’t be brought by an estate or relatives. Even if what you write is 100% true, someone can still bring an invasion of privacy suit based on public disclosure of private facts.3. Preventing a Defamation Cause of ActionThe best defense against defamation is the truth. Suppose you write that your neighbor was convicted of axe murder. He can’t bring a defamation suit against you if he was, in fact, convicted of axe murder. But if you write, â€Å"my neighbor could be capable of axe murder because he’s crazy,† then you’ve got some defamation issues.Practical Tips to Stay Out of Courtroom:If your facts will not hold up as 100% true in a court of law, you can open yourself up to defamation. Before you write, make sure to check your facts. You want to know that if you’re writing about something controversial, that you’re not fabricating the truth.The second tip to avoid defaming your memoir characters is to frame controversial statements as your opinion. Opinions are (*usually) legally considered â€Å"protected expression.† That said, there are parameters. You can’t simply state that blatantly false statements are opinions and get away it. Writing, â€Å"In my opinion, Sara Smith is a prostitute†- when Sara Smith is an upstanding mom and doctor- will get you in trouble. Your opinion needs to be balanced by evidence and supported by actual fact.The third tip t o avoid defamation issues is to change anyidentifying information about your book characters. In order to prevail in a defamation case, the defamed must prove others are able to identify him from your writing. A caveat: This doesn’t mean by name alone! People can claim defamation if one could reasonably identify them through their actions, clothing, quotes, physical appearance, address, or any number of identifying points.The fourth tip is that defamation rests upon subjective principles. When in doubt, err on the side of caution about disclosing details that may or may not be true. If you can’t defend the truth in a court of law, don’t publish it.The final tip is to print a disclaimer in your preface, intro, or acknowledgements. Simply by stating your memories are imperfect but you’re sharing to the best of knowledge and that you’ve changed identifies can stave off legal woes.4. Avoiding an Invasion of Privacy Cause of ActionJust as with a defamat ion lawsuit, an invasion of privacy lawsuit turns on subjective opinions to be decided on a case-by-case basis. This means that the individual facts of each case will decide the outcome.Common sense dictates that there are certain private facts, which a person would not want shared with the public. If a good friend had given up a child for adoption, and you were the only person she told, then disclosing that in your memoir would open the doors to an invasion of privacy lawsuit. The same would apply to sensitive information such as private health matters, abuse, addiction, or any information would not be readily accessible to the public.Certain public or high profile individuals may have less protection against invasion of privacy. The legal theory is that because they have opened their lives to public scrutiny, then the bar is lower for privacy protection. If unsavory facts can be classified as public interest, then you may be able to disclose certain things about public individuals . The crux of this issue would turn on whether your facts are related to a matter of â€Å"public concern.†Practical Tips to Stay Out of the Courtroom:There are several ways to avoid invasion of privacy lawsuits. Our first tip is to get written permission from your characters. If you obtain written consent, they can’t later file a suit stating you’ve breached their privacy.Our second tip is the same as with defamation: Change all identifying characteristics. Give your characters a different name, different job, different wardrobes- anything you can change to prevent them from being recognized by your words affords you a degree of protection. Some writers like to create an amalgam of characters to mix up identifying facts.Our third tip is tell the truth. Dont lie (or even embellish). It’s unethical at best; at worst, it can get you in legal hot water.Our fourth tip is carefully weigh the impact of disclosing inflammatory, sensitive, or embarrassing informa tion. Are such disclosures essential to your story? If so, tread carefully and use our rules for how to proceed with caution. If you’re on the fence, it’s always wise to run your concerns by a lawyer to head off any issues before you publish. Paying for an hour or two of legal time is far better than being a defendant in a court case.The best memoirs are brazen, open, and honest about life, even when the facts are tough to write about. Your obligation as a memoirist is to tell your story and honor the truth. By considering the impact of those in your real life and making efforts to protect them, you’ll avoid legal troubles down the line.Like what you read and want to learn more? We’re holding a FREE online workshop where Chandler is revealing the exact tactics and strategies he used to write and publish 6 bestselling books in a row†¦ and use them to build a 7-figure business in less than 2 years.Click here to save your spot now!