Red lionfish live alone. During the day you will find them resting under a coral ledge or in a cave. At sunset, they will leave their home and swim over the reef, hunting for food by sneaking up behind their prey and using their feather-like rays to hide their movement. Then with one big gulp, they swallow their prey whole!

Inhabit lagoon and seaward reefs from turbid inshore areas to depths of 50 m. Often solitary, they hide in unexposed places at daytime often with head down and practically immobile. Pelagic juveniles expatriate over great distances and the reason for their broad geographical range (Ref. 48635). Hunt small fishes, shrimps, and crabs at night, using its widespread pectorals trapping prey into a corner, stunning it and then swallowing it in one sweep. Dorsal spines are venomous; the sting can be treated by heating the afflicted part and application of corticoids (Ref. 5503). A popular table fish.

The red lionfish, Pterois volitans, is an Indo-Pacific marine fish that has been recently introduced to the east coast of the United States including coastal Florida.P. volitans is banded with distinct red and white stripes that give the fish its alternate common name "zebrafish". The elaborate fan-like pectoral fins and long separated dorsal spines explain the alternate common name-"turkeyfish". Fleshy tabs around the mouth and above the eyes are another characteristic feature of the species (Myers 1991, Whitfield et al. 2002, FishBase).The long dorsal and pectoral spines of P. volitans are venomous, with the venom being produced by glands located in grooves on the spines covered integument (Halstead et al. 1955, Ruiz-Carus et al. 2006). The spines are used by the lionfish both for predator deterrence and to facilitate prey capture.The fin-ray count is: dorsal XIII, 13; anal III, 7-8 (last 2 soft rays are united at the base); pectorals (left/right) 14/14; pelvics (left/ right) I, 5/I, 5 (Ruiz-Carus et al. 2006).

The red lionfish may look beautiful, but it is dangerous! It has 13 poisonous spines on its back, which it uses to protect itself from predators and to defend its home. The red lionfish never learned to share its home; it will charge at other lionfish with its poisonous spines to drive them away. When male lionfish are trying to find a female, they will charge and bite other male lionfish, sometimes even tearing parts of their mouth off! Their poisonous spines are not deadly to humans, but are extremely painful.

Native Range:

Indo-Pacific: western Australia and Malaysia to the Marquesas Islands and Oeno; north to southern Japan and southern Korea; south to Lord Howe, Kermadec, and Austral Island (  map of the indigenous occurrances of Pterois volitans).

Nonnative Range:

Pterois volitans was introduced to Key Biscayne, Florida when a beachside aquarium broke during Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Furthermore, the intentional release of aquarium pets has contributed to the Florida population (USGS, 1999). It is not know what the biological implications of this introduction might be (  map showing the nonindigenous occurrences of Pterois volitans).

Indo-West Pacific; exotic established New York to Florida

Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, New Zealand Exclusive Economic Zone, North West Atlantic, Red Sea, Seychelles

Pterois volitans is native to the western Pacific (from southern Japan and southern Korea to the east coast of Australia, Indonesia, Micronesia and French Polynesia) and South Pacific (from western Australia to the Marquesas and Oeno in the Pitcairn Islands) (Schultz 1986 Myers 1991, Ruiz-Carus et al. 2006). The species has recently been observed and collected from the U.S. east coast from Florida north to Long Island, New York (Whitfield et al., 2002). Pterois volitans has yet to be observed or collected from the India River Lagoon proper, but it has been collected from coastal waters at both the northern and southern ends of the India River Lagoon region. At the northern end of the India River Lagoon system, collections have been made in coastal waters off of Ponce Inlet, south off of Daytona and Cape Canaveral, and approximately 40 km SE of Port Canaveral. To the south, repeated observations and collections have been made in coastal waters off of Lake Worth, located approximately 40 km south of Jupiter Inlet in Palm Beach County.Red lionfish inhabit lagoons and turbid inshore areas and harbors as well as offshore reefs in their native range (Schultz 1986, Myers, 1991), so concern exists as to whether the species might eventually become established within the India River Lagoon proper and within other Florida estuaries as well. On the west coast of the state, P. volitans is considered a potential invasive of the greater Tampa Bay ecosystem (Baker et al. 2004).

Pacific Ocean: Cocos-Keeling Islands and Western Australia (Ref. 27362) in the eastern Indian Ocean to the Marquesas and Oeno (Pitcairn group), north to southern Japan and southern Korea, south to Lord Howe Island, northern New Zealand, and the Austral Islands. Replaced by the very similar Pterois miles from the Red Sea to Sumatra.

The lionfish has a beautifully banded head and body with reddish or golden brown bands stretching across a yellow background. The dorsal and anal fins possess dark rows of spots on a clear background.

Pterois volitans are differentiated from other scorpionfishes by having 13 rather than 12 poisonous dorsal spines and 14 long, feather-like pectoral rays. The anal fin has 3 spines and 6-7 rays.

Pterois volitans can grow to a maximum length of 38 cm.

Some other noteworthy characteristics of Pterois volitans are the bony ridge across the cheek and the flaps that partially cover both the eyes and nose. They also possess a "tentacle" above both eyes.

Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 11; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 6 - 7

The largest Pterois volitans specimen collected on the U.S. east coast, caught via hook and line off North Carolina in 2004, was over 43 cm long and weighed approximately 1.1 kgBaker et al. (2004) indicate that the species typically grows to 15-30 cm.

38.0 cm TL (male/unsexed; (Ref. 2334)); max. reported age: 10 years (Ref. 72479)

Inhabits lagoon and seaward reefs from turbid inshore areas to depths of over 50 m. Hides in unexposed places at daytime often with head down and practically immobile. Hunts small fishes, shrimps, and crabs at night, using its widespread pectorals trapping prey into a corner, stunning it and then swallowing it in one sweep. Dorsal spines are venomous; the sting can be treated by heating the afflicted part and application of corticoids (Ref. 5503). A popular table fish.

Scales cycloid (Ref. 37816). Variable in color, usually in relation to habitat. Coastal species generally darker, sometimes almost black in estuaries. Often with large tentacles above eyes (Ref. 48635).

Pterois volitans is unmistakable for any other marine fish of the western Atlantic.

Lionfish are primarily reef associated but also found in warm, marine water of the tropics (Grant, 1999). They tend to glide along the rocks and coral during the night and hide out in caves and crevices during the day.

Aquatic Biomes: reef ; coastal

reef-associated, depth range 2 - 55 m; inhabits lagoon and seaward reefs from turbid inshore areas maximum depth

benthic

Depth range based on 218 specimens in 1 taxon.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 137 samples.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0.5 - 131.5
  Temperature range (°C): 22.098 - 29.171
  Nitrate (umol/L): 0.050 - 9.015
  Salinity (PPS): 34.090 - 35.262
  Oxygen (ml/l): 3.284 - 4.957
  Phosphate (umol/l): 0.085 - 0.760
  Silicate (umol/l): 1.005 - 11.713

Graphical representation

Depth range (m): 0.5 - 131.5

Temperature range (°C): 22.098 - 29.171

Nitrate (umol/L): 0.050 - 9.015

Salinity (PPS): 34.090 - 35.262

Oxygen (ml/l): 3.284 - 4.957

Phosphate (umol/l): 0.085 - 0.760

Silicate (umol/l): 1.005 - 11.713
 
Note: this information has not been validated. Check this *note*. Your feedback is most welcome.

reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 55 m (Ref. 30874)

Pterois volitans is one of the top levels of the food web in many coral reef environments. They are known to feed mostly on crustaceans (as well as other invertebrates) and small fishes, which include juveniles of their own species. Pterois volitans consumes an average of 8.2 times its body weight per year (USGS, 1999). As juveniles they consume 5.5-13.5 g per day and 14.6 g a day as adults.

Sunset is an optimal time for Pterois volitans to begin feeding because this is when activity in the coral reef is highest. At sunset, all of the day fish and invertebrates make their way to a resting spot for the night and all of the night fish come out to begin feeding. With all of these creatures around, the lionfish need not invest much energy to find a meal. They simply glide upwards along the rock and coral sneaking up on unexpecting prey from below. While moving slowly towards a small fish, Pterois volitans uses its open pectoral rays to shield the motion of its caudal fin. This shielding along with the cryptic coloration of the predator prevents the prey from becoming alarmed. Although we find the striped colorful pattern of the lionfish obvious and easy to see in an aquarium setting, in the coral reef this colorful pattern allows the fish to blend into the background of coral branches, feather-stars, and spiny sea urchins.

The lionfish attacks with one swift gulping motion that sucks the prey into its mouth. This attack is so quick and smooth that if the victim is among a group of fish, the other fish in the group may not even notice what happened. The lionfish can continue to hunt the other unaware members of the group.

Pterois volitans has also been known to hunt for fish in the open water near the surface with a different technique. Here they wait 20-30 cm below the surface and watch for small schools of fish leaping out of the water in an attempt to escape another predator. When they plunge back into the water the lionfish is waiting just below them ready to attack (Fishelson, 1975)

In addition to fish, Pterois volitans feed on invertebrates such as amphipods, isopods, and other crustaceans. The lionfish glides along the substrate (rocks or sand) and vibrates the rays on its fins in order the rustle the food out of hiding.

In general, the lionfish is stationary and feeds on as many fish as it can when fish are plentiful and then it fasts when food is scarce (Fishelson, 1997). When a lot of food is available for feeding, Pterois volitans becomes satiated or full and may not eat for at least 24 hours (Fishelson, 1997).

Lionfish invest most of their energy in growing to a large body size early in life. This tactic allows them to grow big at a fairly young age so that they are more likely to avoid attack by predators and increase their chances of mating successfully (Stearns and Crandall, 1984).

If a male lionfish meets another male while hunting, the more aggressive male will turn darker in color and point its poisonous, spiny dorsal fins at the other individual who usually folds down its pectoral fins and swims away.

Inhabits lagoon and seaward reefs from turbid inshore areas to depths of 50 m. Hides in unexposed places at daytime often with head down and practically immobile. Pelagic juveniles expatriate over great distances and the reason for their broad geographical range (Ref. 48635). Hunts small fishes, shrimps, and crabs at night, using its widespread pectorals trapping prey into a corner, stunning it and then swallowing it in one sweep. Daylight hours are spent resting under ledges, in caves or among wreckage, either singly or in aggregations (Ref. 54301). Dorsal spines are venomous; the sting can be treated by heating the afflicted part and application of corticoids (Ref. 5503).

Pterois volitans is a predator on small fish, shrimps, crabs, and similarly sized animals. The species actively hunts in open water at night (Myers, 1991).Allen and Eschmeyer (1973) note a hunting behavior in which P. volitans spreads its pectoral fins to corral prey items which it then ingests in a single rapid motion.

A parasitic leach, Myzobdella lugubris, was found attached to the tongue of a red lionfish collected off of Jacksonville, FL. While this leach has been found on some two dozen freshwater and estuarine fish species, and on the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus), and a grass shrimp (Paleomonetes pugio), this finding represents the first record from a marine fish (Ruiz-carus et al. 2006).Invasion History: Pterois volitans is one of the most popular marine ornamental aquarium species, and this is the most likely avenue of introduction of this species to the U.S. Atlantic coast. The first documented release of red lionfish in the southeast was an accidental release of 6 individuals. This resulted from resulting from the Hurricane Andrew-related destruction of a large private aquarium located on a porch at the edge of Biscayne Bay in 1992 (Courtenay 1995). These fish were observed alive in the adjacent habitat several days later.Between 1993 and 2002, sporadic and often unsubstantiated sightings of P. volitans from the Florida east coast were recorded. Then, in February and March 2002, 3 specimens were caught off northeast Florida, near St. Augustine, Jacksonville, and Amelia Island. Two of these specimens were sent to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) where positive identification was made (Ruiz-Carus et al. 2006).North of Florida, collections and observations of red lionfish began in 2001 with the capture of a single adult individual off Georgia and two juveniles off Long Island, New York. Since then, further collections and observations of live P. volitans occurring in natural habitats off Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, New jersey, and New York have been made (Whitfield et al. 2002, Hare and Whitfield 2003, Ruiz-Carus et al. 2006).The observation of small aggregations of 2-4 P. volitans during manned submersible-based research dives off North Carolina and South Carolina in 2002 offer compelling evidence that a reproductive population may be established there. Although courtship behaviors and actual spawning were not observed, the typically solitary P. volitans usually forms small groups as a prelude to courtship and reproduction. Histological examination of an adult female specimen collected off of St. Augustine, FL, also suggests reproduction is occurring there, based on a regressed state of the mature ovaries indicative of a post-spawning condition (Ruiz-Carus et al. 2006).If P. volitans has become established in Florida, it is believed to be the first marine (non-estuarine) non-native fish to successfully do so. Potential to Compete With Natives: A broad array of suitable prey species for Pterois volitans occur on Florida reefs, as do a number of predatory fish with which this non-native species may come to compete over trophic resources (Fishelson 1975, Sano et al. 1984). Detailed information on Florida P. volitans population sizes and their food habits remains lacking, however. Possible Economic Consequences of Invasion: The potential economic impacts of Pterois volitans in Florida and elsewhere in the southeastern U.S. have yet to be assessed. The species is venomous and as such may pose a threat to fishermen and scuba divers.

Red lionfish eat crabs, shrimps, small fish, and even young lionfish! Because they only eat other animals, they are carnivores.

Detailed abundance information for this recent invader to the U.S, Atlantic coast is lacking, but collection data and anecdotal observations suggest Pterois volitans is established and reproducing in Florida waters and that local populations are likely growing (Whitfield et al. 2002, Ruiz-Carus et al. 2006).

Average lifespan

Status: wild: 10.0 years.

Maximum longevity: 10 years (wild)

Only while courting will Pterois volitans aggregate with other individuals. In this special case, one male will aggregate with several females to form groups of 3-8 fish.

When lionfish are ready to reproduce, the physical differences between the sexes become more obvious. Males turn darker and are more uniformly colored (their stripes are not as apparent). Females with ripening eggs become paler. Their belly, pharyngeal region, and mouth become silvery white. Such females are easy for the males to spot in the darkness.

Courtship begins just before dark and is always initiated by the males. After the male searches out a female, he rests next to her on the substrate and looks toward the water surface while propping himself up on his ventral fins. He then proceeds to circle the female. After circling several times, the male then ascends to the water surface with the female following behind. While ascending the female will tremble her pectoral fins. The couple may descend and ascend several times before spawning. On the final ascent the couple will swim around just under the surface of the water. The female will then release her spawn. These spawn are comprised of two hollow mucus tubes that float just below the surface upon release. After approximately 15 minutes, these tubes fill up with seawater and become oval balls 2 to 5 cm in diameter. Within these mucosal balls lie 1-2 layers of individual eggs. The number of eggs per ball varies from 2,000 to 15,000. As the female spawn are released, the male releases his sperm, which penetrate the mucosal balls and fertilize the eggs inside.

Twelve hours after fertilization the embryo begins to form. Only 18 hours after fertilization, the head and eyes become moderately developed. Eventually, invading microbes deteriorate the mucus walls and 36 hours after fertilization, the larvae hatch. Four days after conception, the larvae are already good swimmers and are able to begin feeding on small ciliates (Fishelson, 1975).

Pterois volitans reproduction is sexual and involves external fertilization of eggs and a suite of complex courtship and mating behaviors (Ruiz-Carus et al. 2006). The species is generally solitary outside of the reproductive season, but during courtship, males will aggregate with multiple females to form groups of 3-8 fish. Fishelson (1975) indicates that competing males use their spines and fins in agonistic visual displays. Females release a pair of mucus-encapsulated clusters of 2,000-15,000 eggs to the pelagic environment where they are fertilized by the male. Environmental microbiota break down the egg mass mucus to free the eggs and facilitate hatching.Ovarian and testicular histological examination by Ruiz-Carus et al. (2006) suggests P. volitans reproduction in Florida occurs early in the year.

Embryonic development within the egg masses is evident around 12 hours post-fertilization, and larvae hatch out within around 36 hours of fertilization. The larvae become competent swimmers 2-3 days after hatching, capable of capturing and consuming ciliates and other small zooplankton (Fishelson 1975).The typical larval duration of various lionfish species likely falls in the range of 20-40 days (Whitfield et al. 2002). The congener P. miles is 10-12 mm at when metamorphosing from larva to adult (Fishelson 1975), and the situation is probably similar for P. volitans.

Genomic DNA is available from 5 specimens with morphological vouchers housed at National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Wellington

The following is a representative barcode sequence, the centroid of all available sequences for this species. 

 
There are 5 barcode sequences available from BOLD and GenBank.  Below is a sequence of the barcode region Cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI or COX1) from a member of the species.  See the BOLD taxonomy browser for more complete information about this specimen and other sequences.
 

Download FASTA File

Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLDS) Stats
Public Records: 5
Species: 71
Species With Barcodes: 1

Pterois volitans is not currently listed as threatened or endangered. However, the increase in pollution in coral reefs is expected to kill many of the fish and crustaceans, which lionfish depend on. If lionfish are unable to adjust to these changes by selecting alternate food sources, it is expected that their populations will also decrease (Fishelson, 1997).

US Federal List: no special status

CITES: no special status

Reefs are in danger, and that means so is the home of the red lionfish!

Not Evaluated

None

Pterois volitans is a popular aquarium fish. They are stripped from the wild to make money for the popular pet industry.

fisheries: commercial; aquarium: commercial