Red Lionfish
Pterois volitans
- Group: Scorpionfish
- Typical depth: 2–55 m
- Max size: 45.7 cm
- For divers: dangerous
- IUCN status: LC
By day it hangs almost motionless in reef crevices, often facing head down, over lagoons and slopes to about fifty metres. Its long, fanned fins are tipped with venomous spines that deliver a burning sting. Its drifting young travel far across open water, which has spread the species into new seas worldwide.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Perciformes › Scorpaenidae › Pterois
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 159559.
FAQ
- How deep does the Red Lionfish live?
- The Red Lionfish (Pterois volitans) is typically found at 2–55 m.
- Is the Red Lionfish dangerous to divers?
- The Red Lionfish can be dangerous; divers should keep their distance.
- How big does the Red Lionfish get?
- The Red Lionfish grows to about 45.7 cm.