Red Lionfish

Reddish to tan or grey in color, with numerous thin dark bars on body and head; tentacle above eye may be faintly banded (Ref. 4313). Adults have a band of small spines along the cheek and small spots in the median fins (Ref. 48635).Description: Characterized by having each dorsal spine free of membrane except basally; enlarged and wing-like pectoral fins with rays free of membrane on outer one-half to three-fourths, all rays unbranched; body depth 2.7-2.9 in SL (Ref. 90102).

Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 11; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 6 - 7

Crepuscular piscivore. Dwells in rocky shores and in coral reefs in its native habitat. Hunts in isolation or in small groups, by ambush (Ref. 127989).

Adults are found in coastal waters in muddy habitats (Ref. 48635). Minimum depth of 0m (Ref. 81209). Fin spines highly venomous, may cause human death (Ref. 30573).

aquarium: commercial