Lionfish

Deadly Beauty

They may be lovely, but lionfish are also lethal. Their fins have needle-sharp spines that can inject a powerful venom into would-be predators. Lionfish are among the most venomous of all fish.

Blending In

Lionfish are some of the most spectacular-looking animals of the oceans, with their vivid vertical stripes and spiny rays. Though you wouldn’t think it to look at them, lionfish are actually well camouflaged in the watery world of the coral reefs.

These fish grow to be about one foot long.

Fish Food

What do lionfish like to eat? Just about anything that will fit into their mouth! This includes small fish, shrimps, and crabs. Lionfish lie in wait for their victims, and then – gulp! They swallow the little critters whole.

Lionfish do most of their hunting at night. During the day, they hide out under ledges and in caves.

Little Fish

How are baby lionfish born? It all begins with courtship, when males fight over females. These fights can be rough, with males biting and ramming each other with their dorsal spines. A dominant (more powerful) male drives the weaker guys out of his home range. This leaves the winner free to court any female he sees in the area.

When a male finds a female, he swims to her and may circle around her slowly. Then he swims to the surface, and the female – if she’s ready – follows him. The male presses his body against the female, and she pushes out a pair of floating balls, each containing thousands of eggs. The male fertilizes the eggs, then goes in search of other females.

After the eggs hatch, the larvae grow into young fish. Once the babies are about one-half inch long, they settle to deeper water. After they grow up, the cycle of life starts over.

Fun Facts

• Don’t expect to see a school of lionfish! These animals are usually solitary (living alone).
• Male and female lionfish look similar, except during courtship and spawning. During this time, males become darker than females and females develop a swollen tummy before spawning.

Class: Pisces
Order: Scorpaeniformes
Family: Scorpaenidae