The red lionfish (Pterois volitans) is a venomous coral reef fish in the family Scorpaenidae, order Scorpaeniformes. P. volitans is natively found in the Indo-Pacific region, but has become a huge invasive problem in the Caribbean Sea and along the East coast of the United States along with a similar species, Pterois miles. Red lionfish are clad in white stripes alternated with red, maroon, or brown. Adults can grow as large as 17 inches (43 cm) in length while juveniles may be shorter than 1 inch (2.5 cm). They can live up to 10 years. The fish has large venomous spines that protrude from the body like a mane, giving it the common name of the lionfish. The venomous spines make the fish inedible or deter most potential predators. Lionfish reproduce monthly and are able to quickly disperse during their larval stage for expansion of their invasive region. There are no definitive predators of the lionfish, and many organizations are promoting the harvest and consumption of lionfish in efforts to prevent further increases in the already high population densities.
| Description and Taxonomy |
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P. volitans has very few fish that resemble it, with the most common being Pterois miles, the devil firefish. The visual distinguishable trait between the two similar species is the extra dorsal and anal fin ray present on P. volitans. It has also been reported that P. volitans reaches to the Western and Central Pacific and Western Australia. P. miles is found in the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and Indian Ocean. Mitochondrial DNA analyses have proven that the two species are genetically different. It is unknown whether or not the two species hybridize, although no differences have been found in their reproductive biology. Both species are considered invasive along the East Coast of the United States, with approximately 93% of the population consisting of P. volitans. Genetic studies have shown that a strong founder effect has occurred, and there is low genetic diversity in the populations in the Atlantic.
The red lionfish is part of the family Scorpaenidae, order Scorpaeniformes, and suborder Pteroidae. Lionfish have distinctive red, maroon, and white vertical stripes. Fleshy tentacles protrude from above the eyes and below the mouth. The fish have fan-like pectoral fins with venomous spines, 13 long separated dorsal spines, and 3 anal spines. Lionfish larvae are planktonic, and adults can be as large as 17 inches (43 cm) in length. Lionfish generally inhabit rocky and coral reef areas, and can be found at depths between 1 metre (3.3 ft)in shallow mangroves and 131.5 metres (431 ft). They are most often found under ledges or in shaded cave areas, in an almost motionless state. As they become more abundant, there have been claims of the fish also being found in bays and estuaries. The most distinguishable characteristic of the red lionfish, as well as all scorpionfishes, are the venomous spines protruding from the body. An extremely showy and ornate fish such as the lionfish should be an easy target for predators, but the large spines act as a great defense. The spines are incorporated into certain fins of the fish, and have venom glands at the base of the spine. These glands protect the fish from predation, delivering a painful and potentially fatal venomous “sting” to predators or a human that may come in contact with a lionfish.
| Geographic Distribution |
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P. volitans occurs natively in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Western and Central Pacific and off the coast of Western Australia.
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