Red Lionfish

Pterois volitans

Familia: Scorpaenidae | Género: Pterois

The red lionfish (Pterois volitans) is a venomous fish native to coral reefs of the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean, belonging to the scorpionfish family. The body of the lionfish is distinguished by a series of striking stripes, with greatly developed pectoral and dorsal fins that spread out like a fan, giving it an appearance reminiscent of a mane when fully extended.

It can reach up to 45.7 cm in length, weigh up to 1.4 kg, and live for up to 10 years. It is a species with variable colouring, usually related to the habitat in which it lives; coastal individuals tend to be darker, sometimes even almost black in estuaries.

Geographical distribution

It is found in the Pacific Ocean and the eastern Indian Ocean: from the Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Western Australia to the Marquesas and Oeno (Pitcairn group), northwards to southern Japan and South Korea, and southwards to Lord Howe Island, northern New Zealand and the Austral Islands.

It also inhabits the east coast of the United States, where a few individuals were released into Florida waters in 1992 when Hurricane Andrew destroyed an aquarium near the beach. By 2000 the species had spread northwards along the U.S. East Coast and to Bermuda. Since then, its growth and spread have increased exponentially, making it an invasive species.

Habitat

It lives in coral reefs and prefers ecosystems characterised by:

Lagoons and marine reefs between 2 and 50 m depth
Coral reefs at depths between 10 and 170 m
Reef cavities where it remains hidden during the day
Areas with an abundance of small fish and crustaceans

Lifestyle and behaviour

The lionfish is a territorial predator with nocturnal habits, notable for its slow, deliberate movements while constantly stalking any prey it can capture.

It adapts quickly to new prey, which contributes to its success as an invasive species.

Social behaviour:

Generally solitary.
It can become territorial towards other individuals of the same species, especially in areas where it shelters or hunts.
During the day it usually remains hidden among rocks or corals and becomes more active at dusk, when it emerges to hunt.

Daily activity:

Nocturnal habits: during the day it remains inactive, hidden in reef cavities.
An ambush hunter with slow, deliberate movements. Once close enough, it delivers a rapid jaw strike to capture its prey.

Reproduction:

Oviparous species.
Mature females can release up to 30,000 eggs every few days.
Spawning occurs in open waters, where gelatinous masses containing fertilised eggs are released.
The larvae form part of the plankton during their early stages of development before settling on the seabed.

Relationship with its environment:

Uses its extended pectoral fins like a fan to corner prey.
Stuns its prey before swallowing it whole.
Carries large venomous spines in the dorsal fin (composed of 11–15 spines) and the anal fin.
Its variable colouring allows it to camouflage according to its habitat.
A highly adaptable invasive species that spreads rapidly in new territories.

Diet

In the wild

A carnivorous species that feeds on small fish, prawns and crabs.
It quickly adapts to new prey available in its environment.

Under human care

A varied diet consisting of molluscs, fish and crustaceans.

Conservation status

Lista roja IUCN Rana arborícola verde (Litoria Caerulea)

The red lionfish is listed as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and does not face significant threats within its native range

However, in areas invaded by this species (U.S. East Coast, Caribbean), it is considered a threat to local ecosystems due to its invasive nature, displacing native populations.