Lionfish - One of the most beautiful and colorful Sea fish.

Lionfish on coral reef. Credit: Bill Watts

Pterois, commonly known as lionfish, is a genus of venomous marine. It is characterized by red, white and black bands, showy pectoral fins and venomous spiky fin rays. The lionfish is one of the most venomous fish on the ocean floor. Lionfish have venomous dorsal spines that are used purely for defense. When threatened, the fish often faces its attacker in an upside down posture which brings its spines to bear.

Lionfish, also called turkey fish, dragon fish and scorpion fish, are native to the reefs and rocky crevices of the Indo-Pacific, although they've found their way to warm ocean habitats worldwide. Average life span in the wild of a Lionfish is up to 15 years and size 11.8 to 15 in (30 to 38 cm). It’s maximum weight up to 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg). A lionfish will often spread its feathery pectoral fins and herd small fish into a confined space where it can more easily swallow them.

Lionfish Nuggets - a delicious Sea food.

However, a lionfish’s sting is usually not fatal to humans but a sting from a lionfish is extremely painful to humans and can cause nausea and breathing difficulties. Lionfish are popular in some parts of the world as Sea food, but are far more prized in the aquarium trade.

The Lionfish are widely distributed throughout the western Pacific from southern Japan to Micronesia, Australia and the Philippines. Lionfish is volitions occur throughout most of Oceania (including the Marshall Islands, New Caledonia and Fiji) east to French Polynesia. It is miles are from the Indian Ocean and Red Sea, although its range extends to Sumatra.