Name/Relations || Range/Sizes || Habitat & Habits || Notes
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| Avoid the spines of this one. |
Common Name:
Lionfish
Other Common Names:
Scorpionfish, Turkeyfish, Firefish
Scientific name:Petoris
volitans
Family:
Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes)
Related Species:
Scorpionfish, California Scorpionfish, Barbfish, Vermilion Rockfish
| Range: Tropical regions of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, including reefs of the Red and Arabian Seas and Indonesia. |
Sizes: To 3lbs maximum, more commonly 1/2lb-1lb.
Habitat: Clear, warm tropical seas around coral reefs and aquatic growth and vegitation, prefers temperatures in the upper 70's (degree F), depths from the surface to 100 feet.
Spawning Habits: Internal fertilization then live birth (?).
Feeding Habits: Eats small fishes and shrimps, which it catches by slowly creeping up then inhaling its victim. Can persue at speed for short distances and also can hunt either singly or in packs (especially around tighly schooled fishes).
Notes: A popular attraction for divers and snorkellers, and also a popular marine aquarium species, the lionfish is one of the most attractive members of the Scorpionfish family. Unlike its cold water cousins off California, this old world fish is not commonly pursued as a sportfish or foodfish (there is no way I would want to hook one of these guys!). Its long spines are venomous, and discourage predators both both enhancing its perceived size and by providing a prickly suprise. Probably the most photographed, non-angelfish, tropical saltwater aquariumfish, it is definely an eye pleaser and a familiar sight to many fishophiles.