lionfish

lionfish

Lionfish, turkeyfish, dragonfish, scorpionfish and rockfish are some common names for a wide variety of venomous marine fish of the genus Pterois, Parapterois, Brachypterois, Ebosia or Dendrochirus, belonging to the family Scorpaenidae. One of its best known representatives is the red lionfish.

Lionfish are voracious predators. When they are hunting they pinch their prey with their thorns and swiftly swallow them. They are known for their huge dorsal spines and striped coloring, red, brown, orange, yellow, black or white.

Lionfish are native to the Indo-Pacific region, always living close to coral reefs, but some species can be found in other regions of the world. Due to a recent introduction, they can be found in the western Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea.

Lions live up to 15 years and can weigh up to 200g. During the day they prefer to shelter in caves or crevices, being nocturnal animals. They feed on small fish and usually only eat them alive, but in captivity they may be accustomed to eating frozen shrimp. They are oviparous and spawning at night.