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Red Lionfish
Pterois volitans
Coral reefs, rocky outcrops, and mangroves from 1 to 55 meters.
Distinctive red, white, and brown vertical stripes. Long, fan-like pectoral fins and a mane of venomous spines along the back.
Identification
Red lionfish are among the most recognizable reef fish: bold red-brown and white vertical stripes, fan-like pectoral fins held outstretched, and 13 venomous dorsal spines forming a mane along the back. Adults reach about 47 cm in length.
Distribution & Habitat
Native to the Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea to the western Pacific. Since the 1990s, Pterois volitans has established invasive populations throughout the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and southeastern US coast, with devastating effects on native fish communities. In their invasive range they have no natural predators and reach higher densities than anywhere in their native range.
Behavior
Lionfish are ambush predators. They hover motionless or cruise slowly, then strike with explosive forward lunges to engulf small fish and crustaceans. Their venom is delivered via grooves in the dorsal spines; it is rarely fatal to humans but produces intense pain and swelling. Divers should not handle them and should watch their knees when working close to reef structure.
Where to See Them
In their native range: any Indo-Pacific reef, especially at dusk. In their invasive range: the Bahamas, Belize, Cayman Islands, Honduras, and throughout the Caribbean. Many Caribbean countries now sponsor lionfish culling and eating programs as a conservation measure — the meat is excellent.
Native to the Indo-Pacific; invasive and ecologically devastating in the Caribbean and western Atlantic since the 1990s.
Slow-moving ambush predator. Hovers motionless then explodes forward to engulf prey. Venomous but not aggressive to divers.
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