From Aardvarks to Zinc: Biology: 5 Reef Animals

3. Lionfish

Face view

Family: Scorpaenidae or Scorpionfish.
They are also called called turkey fish, dragon fish and scorpion fish.
The Lionfish is any of several species of venomous marine fish in the genera Pterois, Parapterois, Brachypterois, Ebosia or Dendrochirus.
The lionfish is native to the tropical Indo-Pacific region of the world, but various species can be found worldwide.
The largest of lionfish can grow to about 15 inches (0.4 meters) in length, but the average is closer to 1 foot (0.3 meters).
The lionfish is one of the most venomous fish in the ocean bottom floor.
The venom of the lionfish, delivered via an array of up to 18 needle-like dorsal fins.
The spines are used only for defense, not for hunting or killing prey.
The venom can cause nausea and breathing problems rarely is fatal (causes death).
The lionfish is eaten in some countries, but is more common as an aquarium fish.
Their population numbers are healthy and their distribution is growing, causing some concerned in the United States, where some feel the success of this non-indigenous species presents human and environmental dangers.

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