Kingdom : Animalia Class : Actinoperygii Family : Scorpaenidae Scientific Name : Pterois volitans Size(L) : 30cm - 35cm (12in - 14in) Water Type : Salt Optimum pH Level : 8.1 - 8.4 Life Span : 10 - 18 years Colour : Red, White, Black, Brown, Orange Skin Type : Scales Distinctive Features : Striped body markings with long spines
- Lionfish are poisonous fish found in western and central Pacific Ocean.
- They are also known as turkeyfish, scorpionfish, dragonfish, tigerfish and butterfly cod.
- They are venomous fish, preying on smaller fish, though their venom could be fatal to bigger creatures too.
- They inhabit the warmer waters along the coasts, rocky crevices and coral reefs.
- They are spiky fish and are quite popular as aquarium fish around the world.
- They need to be kept in a large tank with a lot of space.
- There are around 8 species of lionfish inhabiting the Pacific Ocean.
- They prey on smaller fish by cornering them with their large fins and swallowing them whole.
- They are carnivores feeding on crustaceans and small fish.
- Their natural predators are large fish and eels.
- They use their spikes which contain venom and also give them an intimidating appearance, to defend themselves.
- They are solitary animals coming together only to mate.
- The male lionfish are extremely territorial and are known to fiercely protect their territories.
- They are very invasive as a species and are spread out through a vast range now.
- The female lionfish lays around 2000-15000 eggs which are fertilized by the male lionfish.
- The fertilized eggs float up to the water surface and hatch within 2 days.
- The lionfish fry that hatch out stay on the surface till they grow to be an inch long and then go deeper into the sea.