Red lionfish
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- Name / Latin
- Red lionfish — Pterois volitans
- Brief description
- The red lionfish (zebra lionfish) is a venomous reef fish of the family Scorpaenidae. It is easily recognised by its long, fan-like pectoral fins and dorsal spines with venom glands. Coloration is contrasting: white vertical stripes alternate with red, maroon or dark brown. By day it often hides in crevices and under reef overhangs; it hunts mainly at dusk and at night, ambushing small fish and crustaceans. A sting from its spines is very painful and can cause a severe reaction.
- Size:
- up to 45 cm
- Depth:
- 2–55 m
- Habitat:
- Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Red Sea
- Family:
- Scorpaenidae
- Type:
- Fish
- Activity:
- Nocturnal
- Conservation status:
- Least Concern (LC) — not threatened with extinction according to IUCN assessment
The red lionfish has a large head with bulging eyes and a wide mouth with distinctive projections. Its fins wrap around the body, giving both protection and a striking appearance. The front of the dorsal fin is made up of long venomous spines; the pectoral fins are elongated and ribbon-like, and the other fins are fan-shaped and broad. White vertical stripes on the body contrast with red and dark brown, and the pale fins are covered with small dark spots. Maximum length is about 30 cm.
The lionfish leads a solitary, nocturnal life. By day it hides in caves, among coral and rocks, pressing its belly to the surface and displaying its venomous spines for defence. It is an ambush predator, hunting crabs, shrimp, molluscs and small fish, often camouflaging itself among colourful algae while waiting for prey.
The red lionfish lives in the tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, including China, Japan, Australia and the Caribbean. It inhabits shallow lagoons and outer reef slopes at depths of 2 to 55 metres.
The red lionfish is highly dangerous to humans because of its venom. The venom is in the fin spines and remains active even after the fish has died. A sting causes strong pain that can last for hours. In serious cases, symptoms may include paralysis of skeletal and respiratory muscles. The lionfish defends itself actively, using its dorsal spines as weapons and turning quickly to attack when threatened.
