a sample of 178 specimens, collected along the south-eastern cost of sicily (central mediterranean sea), was analysed. most meristic counts and measurements given by previous authors were updated, due to the larger variability observed in the present sample. sexual dimorphism was observed in fish-size and in other morphometric measurements, mostly concerning the head region. the most useful diagnostic characters of scorpaena maderensis were the presence of cycloid scales on the chest and the pectoral fin base, some features of body coloration and the shortness of supraocular tentacles, the latter two being easily detectable also during field observation. only a few morphometric and meristic measurements, along with some morphological features, were indicated as further elements to distinguish s. maderensis from s. porcus.