Red Lionfish
(Pterois volitans)
Habitat/Range
Indian and Southwest Pacific Oceans coral reefs
Size
Size: 12-15 inches
Weight: Up to 2.6 lbs.
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Diet
Small fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic invertebrates.
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The Red lionfish, also known as the turkey fish or fire fish, is known for its venomous dorsal spines capable of producing painful, though rarely fatal, puncture wounds. Red lionfish have large pectoral fins and bold zebra-like stripes with red, brown, and white coloring. When threatened, the fish will display their fins as an intimidation tactic and, if further threatened, will attack predators with those dorsal spines. The red lionfish is native to South Pacific reef ecosystems and is highly invasive along Florida coasts as it is a very successful predator.
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