Armed with spines, related and similar to the Jock Stuart. It is often bright red, its colouration is highly variable, ranging from light grey to bright red with blotches. The chest usually has small dark spots.There are skin flaps on the head, lateral line and other parts of the body. These help to disguise the shape of the fish.

Inhabits rocks, crevices and caverns at all depths. Occasionally found in large rock pools in the lower littoral zone.

Is nocturnally active and feeds mainly on small mobile benthic animals. Stalks its prey and swallows it whole.

Early Maori considered this fish to be the 'Grandmother' of the Hapuku, hence the Maori name.

A Treasury of New Zealand Fishes: Graham
- See more at: http://australianmuseum.net.au/Eastern-Red-Scorpionfish-Scorpaena-cardinalis/#sthash.V9tPHmrn.dpuf