Facts about Lionfish

The Lionfish has vividly striped body. It has flamboyant and long pectoral fins with venomous fin rays. The native habitats of lionfish are the rocky crevices and reefs of the Indo-Pacific waters. These days, they can also be found in the eastern coast of America, too. Howeverit is still not clear how they reach on the coast of America and it is believed that may be some aquariums have dropped some specimens in the warm waters of the eastern coast of America.

The species of Lionfish belongs to genus Pterois - a genus of venomous fish found native to the Indo-Pacific region. At present, there are nine different species of lionfish. The most popular ones are the red lionfish (Pterois volitans), spotfin lionfish (Pterois antennata), luna lionfish (Pterois lunulata), frillfin turkeyfish (Pterois mombasae) and the clearfin lionfish (Pterois radiata). The Lionfish has a unique colorful appearance and, these species have become quite popular as aquarium fish and they have exceptional adaptability across the globe.

The Lionfish is considered to be among the most poisonous fish all over the world. They have sharp needle like blades which they use to inject venom into a potential attacker.

They own their unique colorful appearance. They look incredibly beautiful inside aquarium. Their spectacular look is appreciated by everybody. They also make benefit of their colors. Due to their colors they easily blend into the reefs. This helps them in protection from the potential predators and also helps them to catch prey while hiding.

Lionfish has several types and it is said to be belonged to the family Scorpaenidae, which is said to be extremely poisonous.

Lionfish never uses its venom to catch prey. They do not even know how to use the venom to catch prey. The venom that comes is purely for defensive purpose only. To catch prey they only use their own color which acts as a camouflage that they possess with the reefs and rocky crevices. They combine their camouflage with quick speed to catch prey.

A Lionfish’s diet includes small fish, shrimps and crabs. These are the major part of her diet.

They are inactive during night. Lionfish usually hides in small caves or ledges during the night time. For food they hunt during the day time only.

The average life span of a lionfish on an average is around 15 years. It may increase or decrease depending on the surrounding and conditions. They can grow to 15 inches in length and in certain parts very large lionfishes are found. An average length of lionfish is 12 inches.

The population of Lionfish is quite good and going to increase with time. However, some people doubts on their growth as these are fishes are venomous and their growth may not be good in future.

An adult lionfish swallow its prey in a single motion. It stays at its place and wait for the prey to come nearby.

The lionfish is not considered as a threat for humans. Humans often come in contact with this species during fishing and diving. If however, any human comes in contact with its venom it may cause extreme pain, breathing problems, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness in body.

Clearfin Lionfish as the name suggest has no characteristic markings on its spines.

The adult lionfish remain solitary creatures while the juveniles live in groups. Over the course of time, they start defining their territory.