FamilyScorpaenidaeAlso known asCommon Lionfish, Turkeyfish, Butterfly Cod, Peacock LionfishDescriptionThe red lionfish is characterized by bold dark brown/black and white zebra-like vertical stripes, large fan-like pectoral fins, and prominent venomous dorsal spines with feathery fleshy appendages. It is an ambush predator that feeds primarily on small fish and crustaceans. Native to the Indo-Pacific, it has become a highly invasive species in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea.HabitatCoral reefs, rocky outcrops, and artificial structures from shallow coastal waters to depths of 300 m. Native range spans the Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea to Micronesia; invasively established in the Western Atlantic and Caribbean.Conservation statusLeast ConcernNotesClose-up macro shot providing excellent detail of the head, striping pattern, eye, and elaborate venomous dorsal spines. The serrated, feathery appearance of the spines is clearly visible. Some motion blur on the pectoral fin on the right side. Dark background with red/orange encrusting organisms visible in the periphery. Species confidently identified by distinctive stripe pattern and spine morphology.Creatures detected5 in frame- Red Lionfishfish
- venomous dorsal spinesfish
- pectoral fin (motion blur)fish
- encrusting red sponge or coralinvertebrate
- encrusting red/orange organisminvertebrate
