Red Lionfish (Pterois volitans)

FishReefVenomous

Overview

The red lionfish (Pterois volitans) is a venomous scorpionfish of coral and rocky reefs in the eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific. It has been introduced to the western Atlantic, where it is now established from Cape Hatteras to Florida, in Bermuda, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, alongside a smaller number of the closely related devil firefish (Pterois miles).

Its white to cream body carries reddish vertical bands, wide ones alternating with thin, and it has very long dorsal-fin spines, long fan-like pectoral fins, spotted soft dorsal, anal and tail fins, and usually a tentacle above each eye. Color usually varies with habitat, and coastal fish are generally darker. It usually has 11 dorsal and 7 anal soft rays, against 10 and 6 in the devil firefish, but one account notes that in the invaded range only genetic analysis could tell the two apart for certain.

Its maximum length is given as 38 cm by most accounts (total length in one), but invasive specimens have reached 457 mm off Venezuela — the size a fisheries database gives as the maximum — and 467 mm in Bermuda. The maximum published weight is 1.4 kg.

Habitat & Range

Red lionfish live on inshore and offshore coral and rocky reefs, in lagoons and on seaward reefs, including turbid inshore water, sheltering by day in caves, crevices or under ledges; they are also recorded in bays, estuaries and harbors, but not in fresh water. Depth limits are given as 50 or 55 m, and as 128 m in Australian waters. In the western Atlantic, lionfishes also use wrecks, bridge pilings, seagrass beds, mangroves and natural hard bottom.

The native range runs from the Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Western Australia east to French Polynesia and Pitcairn, north to southern Japan and southern Korea and south to Lord Howe Island and northern New Zealand; from the Red Sea to Sumatra the devil firefish replaces it. Lionfish were first seen off Florida in 1985, and a 2007 genetic study found about 93% of Atlantic lionfish to be red lionfish.

Diet

The red lionfish preys on small fishes, shrimps and crabs. It stalks its prey, corners it with outstretched pectoral fins and swallows it whole in a lightning-fast strike, and cannibalism has been seen in the wild. Where they have invaded, lionfish eat a wide range of fishes and crustaceans — prey from 46 families in Bermuda — and in the Gulf of Mexico–Florida region larger lionfish eat more fish. Lionfish of both species are known to eat more than 50 species of fish.

Behavior

Red lionfish are thought to be mostly nocturnal: by day they shelter in caves, crevices or under ledges, often head-down and nearly motionless, and they feed mostly at night, although they have been seen feeding by day. One account of lionfishes in general says feeding rates are highest near dawn and sunset, and in the Atlantic lionfish are often seen moving about in daylight.

Red lionfish are often solitary. Lionfishes do not school, though several may gather where the habitat is structurally complex, and in the Atlantic they are seen both alone and in small groups.

Human Interaction & Conservation

The red lionfish is venomous: the spines of its dorsal, pelvic and anal fins can inflict excruciatingly painful stings that are a serious health emergency, while the pectoral and tail fins have no spines. It is popular in the aquarium trade and eaten in parts of its native range, and it most probably reached the western Atlantic through the aquarium trade.

There it preys on native reef fishes. On small Bahamian patch reefs a single lionfish cut the arrival of young native fish by 79% in five weeks, and the rise of lionfish between Cape Hatteras and eastern Florida from 1990 to 2014 was associated with a 45% decline of a common native fish, the tomtate. Fisheries are being encouraged in the Caribbean as a possible means of control. IUCN's global assessment lists the red lionfish as Least Concern (2016).

Reproduction & Life Cycle

Red lionfish have separate sexes and spawn in pairs after a courtship that is not well documented, with external fertilization. The eggs are released near the surface in floating masses bound in mucus, two at a time, and the larvae drift in the plankton. Spawning can take place year-round.

Off North Carolina, lionfish spawn about every four days, roughly two million eggs per female a year. Each egg mass is estimated to hold about 24,630 eggs, and the larvae spend 20–35 days in the plankton.

The maximum recorded age in the wild is 10 years. Invasive fish sampled at Flower Garden Banks in the Gulf of Mexico were 0–10 years old, with a mean of 3.9.

Sourced facts

Each value below is traced to the specific reference that states it. Open a row's evidence to see the source, where to look in it, and how firmly it supports the value. Sources checked 2026-10-20.

Sourced facts about the Red Lionfish, with the reference supporting each
Fact	What the source states	Evidence
Distinguishing traits	White to cream body with reddish vertical bands, wide alternating with thin; very long dorsal-fin spines; long, fan-like pectoral fins; spotted soft dorsal, anal and tail fins; usually a tentacle above each eye. Usually 11 dorsal and 7 anal soft rays (P. miles: 10 and 6).A scorpionfish of the subfamily Pteroinae. Color usually varies with habitat: coastal fish are generally darker, sometimes almost black in estuaries. Adults often show white spots along the lateral line. Pectoral fins and fin spots are larger than in P. miles. One account says that, at the time of writing, only genetic analysis could positively identify the two species in the invaded range.	Matches source · Museums Victoria (Fishes of Australia; Bray 2017), U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database (Schofield, Morris, Langston & Fuller), Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, NEMESIS (National Exotic Marine and Estuarine Species Information System), Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes (Robert H. Robins), FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.), Australian Museum (McGrouther; updated 17/02/21) — how we know Museums Victoria (Fishes of Australia; Bray 2017) Where Fishes of Australia: Identifying features; USGS: Identification; NEMESIS: Description; Florida Museum: Distinctive Features; FishBase: Short description; Australian Museum: Identification Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Australian focus; its depth figures (1-128 m, almost 130 m) are for Australian waters; contains typos ('dpeths', 'Carribean', 'spines a highly venomous'). U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database (Schofield, Morris, Langston & Fuller) Where Fishes of Australia: Identifying features; USGS: Identification; NEMESIS: Description; Florida Museum: Distinctive Features; FishBase: Short description; Australian Museum: Identification Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Profile covers Pterois volitans/miles together ('lionfishes'); only its identification paragraph and part of its native-range text single out P. volitans; identification notes derive from native-range specimens; revision 2025-02-19, peer review 2012; uses 'Gulf of America'. Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, NEMESIS (National Exotic Marine and Estuarine Species Information System) Where Fishes of Australia: Identifying features; USGS: Identification; NEMESIS: Description; Florida Museum: Distinctive Features; FishBase: Short description; Australian Museum: Identification Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Invasion-focused species summary; many statements say 'Lionfish' for studies of the invasive population (both species); its native range adds Hawaii, which no other source lists (not used); female maturity size is about 180 mm in the text but 170 mm in its table (not used); contains typos ('mesophotc', 'improtant'); includes a sting-treatment observation (not used). Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes (Robert H. Robins) Where Fishes of Australia: Identifying features; USGS: Identification; NEMESIS: Description; Florida Museum: Distinctive Features; FishBase: Short description; Australian Museum: Identification Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Older profile (page last updated 02/06/2025); invasion and conservation sections are out of date; it offers P. miles figures as proxies for maximum weight (1.2 kg) and early development (not used); contains first-aid advice (not used); its introduction says 12 to 15 inches while its size section gives 300-380 mm TL. FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.) Where Fishes of Australia: Identifying features; USGS: Identification; NEMESIS: Description; Florida Museum: Distinctive Features; FishBase: Short description; Australian Museum: Identification Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Compiled summary; its depth range (2-55 m, Ref. 30874, a Christmas Island guide) differs from its own biology text (to 50 m); maximum length and weight cite Ref. 118189 (Ehemann 2017, a western Atlantic size record); maximum age cites Ref. 72479 (Hinton 1962); includes a sting-treatment sentence (not used). Australian Museum (McGrouther; updated 17/02/21) Where Fishes of Australia: Identifying features; USGS: Identification; NEMESIS: Description; Florida Museum: Distinctive Features; FishBase: Short description; Australian Museum: Identification Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Short factsheet; its size statement does not name the measure ('38 cm in length').
Geographic range	Native to the eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific: Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Western Australia east to French Polynesia and Pitcairn, north to southern Japan and southern Korea, south to Lord Howe Island and northern New Zealand. Introduced to the western Atlantic.Introduced range: established from Cape Hatteras (North Carolina) to Florida, in Bermuda, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, with specimens south to Brazil; first seen off Florida in 1985. The similar P. miles replaces it from the Red Sea to Sumatra. A 2007 genetic study found about 93% of the Atlantic lionfish population to be P. volitans and 7% P. miles.	Matches source · California Academy of Sciences (Eschmeyer's Catalog of Fishes), FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.), Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes (Robert H. Robins), U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database (Schofield, Morris, Langston & Fuller), Museums Victoria (Fishes of Australia; Bray 2017), Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, NEMESIS (National Exotic Marine and Estuarine Species Information System) — how we know California Academy of Sciences (Eschmeyer's Catalog of Fishes) Where Catalog of Fishes: Distribution; FishBase: Distribution; Florida Museum: Geographical Distribution; USGS: Native Range, Remarks; Fishes of Australia: Distribution, Remarks; NEMESIS: summary Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Taxonomic catalogue (online version updated 21 Sep. 2026); distribution is a one-line summary. FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.) Where Catalog of Fishes: Distribution; FishBase: Distribution; Florida Museum: Geographical Distribution; USGS: Native Range, Remarks; Fishes of Australia: Distribution, Remarks; NEMESIS: summary Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Compiled summary; its depth range (2-55 m, Ref. 30874, a Christmas Island guide) differs from its own biology text (to 50 m); maximum length and weight cite Ref. 118189 (Ehemann 2017, a western Atlantic size record); maximum age cites Ref. 72479 (Hinton 1962); includes a sting-treatment sentence (not used). Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes (Robert H. Robins) Where Catalog of Fishes: Distribution; FishBase: Distribution; Florida Museum: Geographical Distribution; USGS: Native Range, Remarks; Fishes of Australia: Distribution, Remarks; NEMESIS: summary Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Older profile (page last updated 02/06/2025); invasion and conservation sections are out of date; it offers P. miles figures as proxies for maximum weight (1.2 kg) and early development (not used); contains first-aid advice (not used); its introduction says 12 to 15 inches while its size section gives 300-380 mm TL. U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database (Schofield, Morris, Langston & Fuller) Where Catalog of Fishes: Distribution; FishBase: Distribution; Florida Museum: Geographical Distribution; USGS: Native Range, Remarks; Fishes of Australia: Distribution, Remarks; NEMESIS: summary Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Profile covers Pterois volitans/miles together ('lionfishes'); only its identification paragraph and part of its native-range text single out P. volitans; identification notes derive from native-range specimens; revision 2025-02-19, peer review 2012; uses 'Gulf of America'. Museums Victoria (Fishes of Australia; Bray 2017) Where Catalog of Fishes: Distribution; FishBase: Distribution; Florida Museum: Geographical Distribution; USGS: Native Range, Remarks; Fishes of Australia: Distribution, Remarks; NEMESIS: summary Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Australian focus; its depth figures (1-128 m, almost 130 m) are for Australian waters; contains typos ('dpeths', 'Carribean', 'spines a highly venomous'). Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, NEMESIS (National Exotic Marine and Estuarine Species Information System) Where Catalog of Fishes: Distribution; FishBase: Distribution; Florida Museum: Geographical Distribution; USGS: Native Range, Remarks; Fishes of Australia: Distribution, Remarks; NEMESIS: summary Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Invasion-focused species summary; many statements say 'Lionfish' for studies of the invasive population (both species); its native range adds Hawaii, which no other source lists (not used); female maturity size is about 180 mm in the text but 170 mm in its table (not used); contains typos ('mesophotc', 'improtant'); includes a sting-treatment observation (not used).
Habitat	Inshore and offshore coral and rocky reefs, lagoons and seaward reefs, including turbid inshore water; shelters by day in caves, crevices or under ledges. Also recorded in bays, estuaries and harbors, but not in fresh water. Depth limit: 50 m or 55 m; 128 m in Australian waters.sources disagreeIn the invaded western Atlantic, lionfishes (P. volitans and P. miles together) also occupy wrecks, bridge pilings, seagrass beds, mangroves and natural hard bottom.	Sources disagree · Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes (Robert H. Robins), FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.), Museums Victoria (Fishes of Australia; Bray 2017), U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database (Schofield, Morris, Langston & Fuller), Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, NEMESIS (National Exotic Marine and Estuarine Species Information System) — how we know What each reading says to 50 m — Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes (Robert H. Robins), near and offshore coral and rocky reefs; Habitat to 50 m; depth range 2–55 m — FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.), Biology text; Environment field 1–128 m; to almost 130 m — Museums Victoria (Fishes of Australia; Bray 2017), Australian waters; Quick Facts, Distribution a few inches to over 300 m — U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database (Schofield, Morris, Langston & Fuller), lionfishes in general (P. volitans and P. miles together); Ecology slope waters at 200–300 m — Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, NEMESIS (National Exotic Marine and Estuarine Species Information System), invasive lionfish; Ecology Depth limits differ: 50 m in a museum account; 50 m in a database's habitat text but 2-55 m in its depth-range field; 1-128 m (almost 130 m) in Australian waters. Lionfishes in general (P. volitans and P. miles together) are reported from a few inches to over 300 m, and invasive lionfish from slope waters at 200-300 m. Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes (Robert H. Robins) Where Florida Museum: Habitat; FishBase: Environment, Biology; Fishes of Australia: Distribution, Quick Facts; USGS: Ecology; NEMESIS: summary, Ecology Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Older profile (page last updated 02/06/2025); invasion and conservation sections are out of date; it offers P. miles figures as proxies for maximum weight (1.2 kg) and early development (not used); contains first-aid advice (not used); its introduction says 12 to 15 inches while its size section gives 300-380 mm TL. FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.) Where Florida Museum: Habitat; FishBase: Environment, Biology; Fishes of Australia: Distribution, Quick Facts; USGS: Ecology; NEMESIS: summary, Ecology Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Compiled summary; its depth range (2-55 m, Ref. 30874, a Christmas Island guide) differs from its own biology text (to 50 m); maximum length and weight cite Ref. 118189 (Ehemann 2017, a western Atlantic size record); maximum age cites Ref. 72479 (Hinton 1962); includes a sting-treatment sentence (not used). Museums Victoria (Fishes of Australia; Bray 2017) Where Florida Museum: Habitat; FishBase: Environment, Biology; Fishes of Australia: Distribution, Quick Facts; USGS: Ecology; NEMESIS: summary, Ecology Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Australian focus; its depth figures (1-128 m, almost 130 m) are for Australian waters; contains typos ('dpeths', 'Carribean', 'spines a highly venomous'). U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database (Schofield, Morris, Langston & Fuller) Where Florida Museum: Habitat; FishBase: Environment, Biology; Fishes of Australia: Distribution, Quick Facts; USGS: Ecology; NEMESIS: summary, Ecology Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Profile covers Pterois volitans/miles together ('lionfishes'); only its identification paragraph and part of its native-range text single out P. volitans; identification notes derive from native-range specimens; revision 2025-02-19, peer review 2012; uses 'Gulf of America'. Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, NEMESIS (National Exotic Marine and Estuarine Species Information System) Where Florida Museum: Habitat; FishBase: Environment, Biology; Fishes of Australia: Distribution, Quick Facts; USGS: Ecology; NEMESIS: summary, Ecology Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Invasion-focused species summary; many statements say 'Lionfish' for studies of the invasive population (both species); its native range adds Hawaii, which no other source lists (not used); female maturity size is about 180 mm in the text but 170 mm in its table (not used); contains typos ('mesophotc', 'improtant'); includes a sting-treatment observation (not used).
Diet	Carnivore: small fishes, shrimps and crabs. It stalks prey, corners it with its outstretched pectoral fins and swallows it whole in a fast strike; cannibalism has been observed in the wild.Invasive-range studies: in the Gulf of Mexico–Florida region larger lionfish eat more fish; in the Loxahatchee River estuary mostly juvenile lionfish ate about half fishes and half crabs and shrimps; in Bermuda prey came from 46 families of fishes and crustaceans. Lionfish of both species are known to eat over 50 fish species.	Matches source · FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.), Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes (Robert H. Robins), Museums Victoria (Fishes of Australia; Bray 2017), Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, NEMESIS (National Exotic Marine and Estuarine Species Information System), NOAA National Ocean Service (Ocean Facts: 'What is a lionfish?') — how we know FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.) Where FishBase: Biology; Florida Museum: Food Habits; Fishes of Australia: Feeding; NEMESIS: Ecology, General Impacts; NOAA: Ecological Role Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Compiled summary; its depth range (2-55 m, Ref. 30874, a Christmas Island guide) differs from its own biology text (to 50 m); maximum length and weight cite Ref. 118189 (Ehemann 2017, a western Atlantic size record); maximum age cites Ref. 72479 (Hinton 1962); includes a sting-treatment sentence (not used). Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes (Robert H. Robins) Where FishBase: Biology; Florida Museum: Food Habits; Fishes of Australia: Feeding; NEMESIS: Ecology, General Impacts; NOAA: Ecological Role Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Older profile (page last updated 02/06/2025); invasion and conservation sections are out of date; it offers P. miles figures as proxies for maximum weight (1.2 kg) and early development (not used); contains first-aid advice (not used); its introduction says 12 to 15 inches while its size section gives 300-380 mm TL. Museums Victoria (Fishes of Australia; Bray 2017) Where FishBase: Biology; Florida Museum: Food Habits; Fishes of Australia: Feeding; NEMESIS: Ecology, General Impacts; NOAA: Ecological Role Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Australian focus; its depth figures (1-128 m, almost 130 m) are for Australian waters; contains typos ('dpeths', 'Carribean', 'spines a highly venomous'). Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, NEMESIS (National Exotic Marine and Estuarine Species Information System) Where FishBase: Biology; Florida Museum: Food Habits; Fishes of Australia: Feeding; NEMESIS: Ecology, General Impacts; NOAA: Ecological Role Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Invasion-focused species summary; many statements say 'Lionfish' for studies of the invasive population (both species); its native range adds Hawaii, which no other source lists (not used); female maturity size is about 180 mm in the text but 170 mm in its table (not used); contains typos ('mesophotc', 'improtant'); includes a sting-treatment observation (not used). NOAA National Ocean Service (Ocean Facts: 'What is a lionfish?') Where FishBase: Biology; Florida Museum: Food Habits; Fishes of Australia: Feeding; NEMESIS: Ecology, General Impacts; NOAA: Ecological Role Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Covers Pterois volitans and P. miles together, so its figures are labelled as covering both species; its native-range text repeats the Florida Museum's; it ends with medical advice (not used); last updated 09/23/26.
Body size	Maximum length is given as 38 cm by most accounts (total length in one) or as 300–380 mm TL; invaded western Atlantic specimens have reached 457 mm off Venezuela and 467 mm in Bermuda.sources disagreeA fisheries database gives 45.7 cm TL as the maximum, the size of the Venezuelan specimen. A sample of invasive P. volitans from Flower Garden Banks, northwestern Gulf of Mexico, measured 75–444 mm total length; males reached 444 mm and females 348 mm.	Sources disagree · Museums Victoria (Fishes of Australia; Bray 2017), Australian Museum (McGrouther; updated 17/02/21), Animal Diversity Web (University of Michigan Museum of Zoology), Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes (Robert H. Robins), FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.), Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, NEMESIS (National Exotic Marine and Estuarine Species Information System), Frontiers in Marine Science (Blakeway, Fogg, Johnston, Rooker & Jones 2022) — how we know What each reading says maximum size 38 cm TL — Museums Victoria (Fishes of Australia; Bray 2017), Quick Facts grows to 38 cm in length — Australian Museum (McGrouther; updated 17/02/21), Size Range; measure not named maximum length 38 cm — Animal Diversity Web (University of Michigan Museum of Zoology), Physical Description maximum size record 300–380 mm TL (11.8–15 inches) — Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes (Robert H. Robins), Size, Age, and Growth; stated to vary by source maximum length 45.7 cm TL — FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.), male/unsexed maximum; the same size as the Venezuelan specimen usual maximum about 380 mm; one specimen off Venezuela 457 mm; 467 mm in Bermuda — Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, NEMESIS (National Exotic Marine and Estuarine Species Information System), Description; Life History table Maximum length is 38 cm in three accounts and 300–380 mm TL in a fourth, which says the record varies by source, against invaded-range records of 457 mm off Venezuela (given as 45.7 cm TL, the maximum, in a fisheries database) and 467 mm in Bermuda; another account calls about 380 mm the usual maximum. Museums Victoria (Fishes of Australia; Bray 2017) Where Fishes of Australia: Quick Facts; Australian Museum: Size Range; ADW: Physical Description; Florida Museum: Size, Age, and Growth; FishBase: Size / Weight / Age; NEMESIS: Description, Life History; Frontiers: Abstract Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Australian focus; its depth figures (1-128 m, almost 130 m) are for Australian waters; contains typos ('dpeths', 'Carribean', 'spines a highly venomous'). Australian Museum (McGrouther; updated 17/02/21) Where Fishes of Australia: Quick Facts; Australian Museum: Size Range; ADW: Physical Description; Florida Museum: Size, Age, and Growth; FishBase: Size / Weight / Age; NEMESIS: Description, Life History; Frontiers: Abstract Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Short factsheet; its size statement does not name the measure ('38 cm in length'). Animal Diversity Web (University of Michigan Museum of Zoology) Where Fishes of Australia: Quick Facts; Australian Museum: Size Range; ADW: Physical Description; Florida Museum: Size, Age, and Growth; FishBase: Size / Weight / Age; NEMESIS: Description, Life History; Frontiers: Abstract Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Student-written account (Wood 2001, last updated 2001-07-24). Its reproduction, behavior and feeding details come from Fishelson's Gulf of Aqaba (Red Sea) studies, where the lionfish is P. miles, so they were not used; it repeats the Hurricane Andrew introduction story that USGS calls probably erroneous; its lifespan field labels 10.0 years as the average wild lifespan; it describes a yellow body background, unlike other sources. Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes (Robert H. Robins) Where Fishes of Australia: Quick Facts; Australian Museum: Size Range; ADW: Physical Description; Florida Museum: Size, Age, and Growth; FishBase: Size / Weight / Age; NEMESIS: Description, Life History; Frontiers: Abstract Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Older profile (page last updated 02/06/2025); invasion and conservation sections are out of date; it offers P. miles figures as proxies for maximum weight (1.2 kg) and early development (not used); contains first-aid advice (not used); its introduction says 12 to 15 inches while its size section gives 300-380 mm TL. FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.) Where Fishes of Australia: Quick Facts; Australian Museum: Size Range; ADW: Physical Description; Florida Museum: Size, Age, and Growth; FishBase: Size / Weight / Age; NEMESIS: Description, Life History; Frontiers: Abstract Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Compiled summary; its depth range (2-55 m, Ref. 30874, a Christmas Island guide) differs from its own biology text (to 50 m); maximum length and weight cite Ref. 118189 (Ehemann 2017, a western Atlantic size record); maximum age cites Ref. 72479 (Hinton 1962); includes a sting-treatment sentence (not used). Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, NEMESIS (National Exotic Marine and Estuarine Species Information System) Where Fishes of Australia: Quick Facts; Australian Museum: Size Range; ADW: Physical Description; Florida Museum: Size, Age, and Growth; FishBase: Size / Weight / Age; NEMESIS: Description, Life History; Frontiers: Abstract Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Invasion-focused species summary; many statements say 'Lionfish' for studies of the invasive population (both species); its native range adds Hawaii, which no other source lists (not used); female maturity size is about 180 mm in the text but 170 mm in its table (not used); contains typos ('mesophotc', 'improtant'); includes a sting-treatment observation (not used). Frontiers in Marine Science (Blakeway, Fogg, Johnston, Rooker & Jones 2022) Where Fishes of Australia: Quick Facts; Australian Museum: Size Range; ADW: Physical Description; Florida Museum: Size, Age, and Growth; FishBase: Size / Weight / Age; NEMESIS: Description, Life History; Frontiers: Abstract Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Primary study of invasive lionfish at Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, northwestern Gulf of Mexico (2015-2018); the title names P. volitans and the text notes that only P. volitans has been confirmed in the Gulf, but it otherwise says 'lionfish (P. volitans and P. miles)'; ranges are sample ranges, not species maxima.
Body mass	Up to 1.4 kg (maximum published weight).In a sample of invasive P. volitans from Flower Garden Banks, northwestern Gulf of Mexico, weights ranged from 4 to 1,153 g; males reached 1,153 g and females 586 g.	Matches source · FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.), Frontiers in Marine Science (Blakeway, Fogg, Johnston, Rooker & Jones 2022) — how we know FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.) Where FishBase: Length at first maturity / Size / Weight / Age; Frontiers: Abstract Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Compiled summary; its depth range (2-55 m, Ref. 30874, a Christmas Island guide) differs from its own biology text (to 50 m); maximum length and weight cite Ref. 118189 (Ehemann 2017, a western Atlantic size record); maximum age cites Ref. 72479 (Hinton 1962); includes a sting-treatment sentence (not used). Frontiers in Marine Science (Blakeway, Fogg, Johnston, Rooker & Jones 2022) Where FishBase: Length at first maturity / Size / Weight / Age; Frontiers: Abstract Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Primary study of invasive lionfish at Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, northwestern Gulf of Mexico (2015-2018); the title names P. volitans and the text notes that only P. volitans has been confirmed in the Gulf, but it otherwise says 'lionfish (P. volitans and P. miles)'; ranges are sample ranges, not species maxima.
Lifespan	Wild: up to 10 years.Ages of 0–10 years (mean 3.9) for invasive P. volitans at Flower Garden Banks, northwestern Gulf of Mexico; otolith ages of 0–8 years off North Carolina (P. volitans and P. miles), 90% aged 3 or younger. One account lists 10.0 years as the average wild lifespan, the figure others give as the maximum.	Matches source · Human Ageing Genomic Resources: AnAge, The Animal Ageing and Longevity Database, FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.), Frontiers in Marine Science (Blakeway, Fogg, Johnston, Rooker & Jones 2022), Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute, Proceedings 63 (Potts, Berrane & Morris 2010), Animal Diversity Web (University of Michigan Museum of Zoology) — how we know Human Ageing Genomic Resources: AnAge, The Animal Ageing and Longevity Database Where AnAge: Lifespan, ageing, and relevant traits; FishBase: Size / Weight / Age; Frontiers: Abstract; GCFI: Abstract; ADW: Lifespan/Longevity Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Single maximum-longevity value from Carey and Judge (2000); sample size 'Medium', data quality 'Acceptable'. FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.) Where AnAge: Lifespan, ageing, and relevant traits; FishBase: Size / Weight / Age; Frontiers: Abstract; GCFI: Abstract; ADW: Lifespan/Longevity Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Compiled summary; its depth range (2-55 m, Ref. 30874, a Christmas Island guide) differs from its own biology text (to 50 m); maximum length and weight cite Ref. 118189 (Ehemann 2017, a western Atlantic size record); maximum age cites Ref. 72479 (Hinton 1962); includes a sting-treatment sentence (not used). Frontiers in Marine Science (Blakeway, Fogg, Johnston, Rooker & Jones 2022) Where AnAge: Lifespan, ageing, and relevant traits; FishBase: Size / Weight / Age; Frontiers: Abstract; GCFI: Abstract; ADW: Lifespan/Longevity Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Primary study of invasive lionfish at Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, northwestern Gulf of Mexico (2015-2018); the title names P. volitans and the text notes that only P. volitans has been confirmed in the Gulf, but it otherwise says 'lionfish (P. volitans and P. miles)'; ranges are sample ranges, not species maxima. Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute, Proceedings 63 (Potts, Berrane & Morris 2010) Where AnAge: Lifespan, ageing, and relevant traits; FishBase: Size / Weight / Age; Frontiers: Abstract; GCFI: Abstract; ADW: Lifespan/Longevity Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Conference abstract; covers P. volitans and P. miles together (Onslow Bay, North Carolina, 2004-2009). Animal Diversity Web (University of Michigan Museum of Zoology) Where AnAge: Lifespan, ageing, and relevant traits; FishBase: Size / Weight / Age; Frontiers: Abstract; GCFI: Abstract; ADW: Lifespan/Longevity Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Student-written account (Wood 2001, last updated 2001-07-24). Its reproduction, behavior and feeding details come from Fishelson's Gulf of Aqaba (Red Sea) studies, where the lionfish is P. miles, so they were not used; it repeats the Hurricane Andrew introduction story that USGS calls probably erroneous; its lifespan field labels 10.0 years as the average wild lifespan; it describes a yellow body background, unlike other sources.
Activity pattern	Thought to be mostly nocturnal: by day it shelters in caves, crevices or under ledges, often head-down and nearly motionless, and it feeds mostly at night. It has also been observed feeding by day; one account of lionfishes in general says feeding rates are highest near dawn and sunset.In the Atlantic, lionfish (P. volitans and P. miles) have been found with full stomachs by day and are often seen moving about in daylight.	Matches source · Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes (Robert H. Robins), FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.), Museums Victoria (Fishes of Australia; Bray 2017), Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, NEMESIS (National Exotic Marine and Estuarine Species Information System), NOAA National Ocean Service (Ocean Facts: 'What is a lionfish?') — how we know Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes (Robert H. Robins) Where Florida Museum: Food Habits, Habitat; FishBase: Biology; Fishes of Australia: Feeding; NEMESIS: Ecology; NOAA: Behavior Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Older profile (page last updated 02/06/2025); invasion and conservation sections are out of date; it offers P. miles figures as proxies for maximum weight (1.2 kg) and early development (not used); contains first-aid advice (not used); its introduction says 12 to 15 inches while its size section gives 300-380 mm TL. FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.) Where Florida Museum: Food Habits, Habitat; FishBase: Biology; Fishes of Australia: Feeding; NEMESIS: Ecology; NOAA: Behavior Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Compiled summary; its depth range (2-55 m, Ref. 30874, a Christmas Island guide) differs from its own biology text (to 50 m); maximum length and weight cite Ref. 118189 (Ehemann 2017, a western Atlantic size record); maximum age cites Ref. 72479 (Hinton 1962); includes a sting-treatment sentence (not used). Museums Victoria (Fishes of Australia; Bray 2017) Where Florida Museum: Food Habits, Habitat; FishBase: Biology; Fishes of Australia: Feeding; NEMESIS: Ecology; NOAA: Behavior Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Australian focus; its depth figures (1-128 m, almost 130 m) are for Australian waters; contains typos ('dpeths', 'Carribean', 'spines a highly venomous'). Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, NEMESIS (National Exotic Marine and Estuarine Species Information System) Where Florida Museum: Food Habits, Habitat; FishBase: Biology; Fishes of Australia: Feeding; NEMESIS: Ecology; NOAA: Behavior Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Invasion-focused species summary; many statements say 'Lionfish' for studies of the invasive population (both species); its native range adds Hawaii, which no other source lists (not used); female maturity size is about 180 mm in the text but 170 mm in its table (not used); contains typos ('mesophotc', 'improtant'); includes a sting-treatment observation (not used). NOAA National Ocean Service (Ocean Facts: 'What is a lionfish?') Where Florida Museum: Food Habits, Habitat; FishBase: Biology; Fishes of Australia: Feeding; NEMESIS: Ecology; NOAA: Behavior Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Covers Pterois volitans and P. miles together, so its figures are labelled as covering both species; its native-range text repeats the Florida Museum's; it ends with medical advice (not used); last updated 09/23/26.
Social structure	Often solitary; lionfishes do not school, though several may gather in structurally complex habitat.In the Atlantic, lionfish (P. volitans and P. miles) are seen both alone and in small groups.	Matches source · FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.), Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes (Robert H. Robins), Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, NEMESIS (National Exotic Marine and Estuarine Species Information System), NOAA National Ocean Service (Ocean Facts: 'What is a lionfish?') — how we know FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.) Where FishBase: Biology; Florida Museum: Food Habits; NEMESIS: Ecology; NOAA: Behavior Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Compiled summary; its depth range (2-55 m, Ref. 30874, a Christmas Island guide) differs from its own biology text (to 50 m); maximum length and weight cite Ref. 118189 (Ehemann 2017, a western Atlantic size record); maximum age cites Ref. 72479 (Hinton 1962); includes a sting-treatment sentence (not used). Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes (Robert H. Robins) Where FishBase: Biology; Florida Museum: Food Habits; NEMESIS: Ecology; NOAA: Behavior Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Older profile (page last updated 02/06/2025); invasion and conservation sections are out of date; it offers P. miles figures as proxies for maximum weight (1.2 kg) and early development (not used); contains first-aid advice (not used); its introduction says 12 to 15 inches while its size section gives 300-380 mm TL. Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, NEMESIS (National Exotic Marine and Estuarine Species Information System) Where FishBase: Biology; Florida Museum: Food Habits; NEMESIS: Ecology; NOAA: Behavior Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Invasion-focused species summary; many statements say 'Lionfish' for studies of the invasive population (both species); its native range adds Hawaii, which no other source lists (not used); female maturity size is about 180 mm in the text but 170 mm in its table (not used); contains typos ('mesophotc', 'improtant'); includes a sting-treatment observation (not used). NOAA National Ocean Service (Ocean Facts: 'What is a lionfish?') Where FishBase: Biology; Florida Museum: Food Habits; NEMESIS: Ecology; NOAA: Behavior Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Covers Pterois volitans and P. miles together, so its figures are labelled as covering both species; its native-range text repeats the Florida Museum's; it ends with medical advice (not used); last updated 09/23/26.
Reproduction	Separate sexes; pairs spawn after a courtship that is not well documented, and fertilization is external. Eggs are released near the surface in pelagic, mucus-bound masses, two at a time, and the larvae are planktonic. Spawning can take place year-round.Off North Carolina lionfish spawn about every four days, about two million eggs per female a year. Each egg mass is estimated to hold about 24,630 eggs, and the larvae spend 20–35 days in the plankton. The Atlantic population is mostly P. volitans with a few P. miles.	Matches source · Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, NEMESIS (National Exotic Marine and Estuarine Species Information System), Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes (Robert H. Robins), NOAA National Ocean Service (Ocean Facts: 'What is a lionfish?'), U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database (Schofield, Morris, Langston & Fuller) — how we know Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, NEMESIS (National Exotic Marine and Estuarine Species Information System) Where NEMESIS: Ecology; Florida Museum: Reproduction; NOAA: introduction; USGS: Identification Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Invasion-focused species summary; many statements say 'Lionfish' for studies of the invasive population (both species); its native range adds Hawaii, which no other source lists (not used); female maturity size is about 180 mm in the text but 170 mm in its table (not used); contains typos ('mesophotc', 'improtant'); includes a sting-treatment observation (not used). Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes (Robert H. Robins) Where NEMESIS: Ecology; Florida Museum: Reproduction; NOAA: introduction; USGS: Identification Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Older profile (page last updated 02/06/2025); invasion and conservation sections are out of date; it offers P. miles figures as proxies for maximum weight (1.2 kg) and early development (not used); contains first-aid advice (not used); its introduction says 12 to 15 inches while its size section gives 300-380 mm TL. NOAA National Ocean Service (Ocean Facts: 'What is a lionfish?') Where NEMESIS: Ecology; Florida Museum: Reproduction; NOAA: introduction; USGS: Identification Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Covers Pterois volitans and P. miles together, so its figures are labelled as covering both species; its native-range text repeats the Florida Museum's; it ends with medical advice (not used); last updated 09/23/26. U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database (Schofield, Morris, Langston & Fuller) Where NEMESIS: Ecology; Florida Museum: Reproduction; NOAA: introduction; USGS: Identification Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Profile covers Pterois volitans/miles together ('lionfishes'); only its identification paragraph and part of its native-range text single out P. volitans; identification notes derive from native-range specimens; revision 2025-02-19, peer review 2012; uses 'Gulf of America'.
Human interaction	Venomous: dorsal, pelvic and anal fin spines can inflict excruciatingly painful stings, a serious health emergency. Popular in the aquarium trade and eaten in parts of its native range; probably reached the western Atlantic via that trade and preys on native reef fishes there.The pectoral and tail fins lack spines and are not venomous. On small Bahamian patch reefs one lionfish cut native fish recruitment by 79% in five weeks; the 1990–2014 rise of lionfish (mostly P. volitans) between Cape Hatteras and eastern Florida was associated with a 45% tomtate decline. Fisheries are being encouraged in the Caribbean as a possible means of population control, and removals take place on a protected Gulf of Mexico reef system.	Matches source · Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes (Robert H. Robins), Museums Victoria (Fishes of Australia; Bray 2017), Australian Museum (McGrouther; updated 17/02/21), FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.), U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database (Schofield, Morris, Langston & Fuller), Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, NEMESIS (National Exotic Marine and Estuarine Species Information System), Frontiers in Marine Science (Blakeway, Fogg, Johnston, Rooker & Jones 2022) — how we know Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes (Robert H. Robins) Where Florida Museum: Biology, Danger to Humans, Importance to Humans; Fishes of Australia: Summary; Australian Museum: Danger to humans; FishBase: Threat to humans, Human uses; USGS: Means of Introduction, Impact of Introduction; NEMESIS: summary, Ecology, General Impacts; Frontiers: Abstract Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Older profile (page last updated 02/06/2025); invasion and conservation sections are out of date; it offers P. miles figures as proxies for maximum weight (1.2 kg) and early development (not used); contains first-aid advice (not used); its introduction says 12 to 15 inches while its size section gives 300-380 mm TL. Museums Victoria (Fishes of Australia; Bray 2017) Where Florida Museum: Biology, Danger to Humans, Importance to Humans; Fishes of Australia: Summary; Australian Museum: Danger to humans; FishBase: Threat to humans, Human uses; USGS: Means of Introduction, Impact of Introduction; NEMESIS: summary, Ecology, General Impacts; Frontiers: Abstract Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Australian focus; its depth figures (1-128 m, almost 130 m) are for Australian waters; contains typos ('dpeths', 'Carribean', 'spines a highly venomous'). Australian Museum (McGrouther; updated 17/02/21) Where Florida Museum: Biology, Danger to Humans, Importance to Humans; Fishes of Australia: Summary; Australian Museum: Danger to humans; FishBase: Threat to humans, Human uses; USGS: Means of Introduction, Impact of Introduction; NEMESIS: summary, Ecology, General Impacts; Frontiers: Abstract Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Short factsheet; its size statement does not name the measure ('38 cm in length'). FishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.) Where Florida Museum: Biology, Danger to Humans, Importance to Humans; Fishes of Australia: Summary; Australian Museum: Danger to humans; FishBase: Threat to humans, Human uses; USGS: Means of Introduction, Impact of Introduction; NEMESIS: summary, Ecology, General Impacts; Frontiers: Abstract Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Compiled summary; its depth range (2-55 m, Ref. 30874, a Christmas Island guide) differs from its own biology text (to 50 m); maximum length and weight cite Ref. 118189 (Ehemann 2017, a western Atlantic size record); maximum age cites Ref. 72479 (Hinton 1962); includes a sting-treatment sentence (not used). U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database (Schofield, Morris, Langston & Fuller) Where Florida Museum: Biology, Danger to Humans, Importance to Humans; Fishes of Australia: Summary; Australian Museum: Danger to humans; FishBase: Threat to humans, Human uses; USGS: Means of Introduction, Impact of Introduction; NEMESIS: summary, Ecology, General Impacts; Frontiers: Abstract Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Profile covers Pterois volitans/miles together ('lionfishes'); only its identification paragraph and part of its native-range text single out P. volitans; identification notes derive from native-range specimens; revision 2025-02-19, peer review 2012; uses 'Gulf of America'. Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, NEMESIS (National Exotic Marine and Estuarine Species Information System) Where Florida Museum: Biology, Danger to Humans, Importance to Humans; Fishes of Australia: Summary; Australian Museum: Danger to humans; FishBase: Threat to humans, Human uses; USGS: Means of Introduction, Impact of Introduction; NEMESIS: summary, Ecology, General Impacts; Frontiers: Abstract Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Invasion-focused species summary; many statements say 'Lionfish' for studies of the invasive population (both species); its native range adds Hawaii, which no other source lists (not used); female maturity size is about 180 mm in the text but 170 mm in its table (not used); contains typos ('mesophotc', 'improtant'); includes a sting-treatment observation (not used). Frontiers in Marine Science (Blakeway, Fogg, Johnston, Rooker & Jones 2022) Where Florida Museum: Biology, Danger to Humans, Importance to Humans; Fishes of Australia: Summary; Australian Museum: Danger to humans; FishBase: Threat to humans, Human uses; USGS: Means of Introduction, Impact of Introduction; NEMESIS: summary, Ecology, General Impacts; Frontiers: Abstract Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Primary study of invasive lionfish at Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, northwestern Gulf of Mexico (2015-2018); the title names P. volitans and the text notes that only P. volitans has been confirmed in the Gulf, but it otherwise says 'lionfish (P. volitans and P. miles)'; ranges are sample ranges, not species maxima.
Conservation status	Least Concern (LC), global assessment, 2016	Matches source · IUCN Red List of Threatened Species — how we know IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Checked by FaunaHub 2026-10-20 Limits Read from the Red List export IUCN publishes to GBIF; iucnredlist.org itself does not answer automated reads. Categories are reassessed over time.

References for the facts above

GovernmentU.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database (Schofield, Morris, Langston & Fuller)Supports: identification, range, habitat, social-structure, reproduction, human-interaction (introduction pathway, impact studies). Retrieved 2026-10-20.Limitations: Profile covers Pterois volitans/miles together ('lionfishes'); only its identification paragraph and part of its native-range text single out P. volitans; identification notes derive from native-range specimens; revision 2025-02-19, peer review 2012; uses 'Gulf of America'.
UniversityFlorida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes (Robert H. Robins)Supports: identification (incl. subfamily), range, habitat, diet, body-size, activity, social-structure, reproduction, human-interaction. Retrieved 2026-10-20.Limitations: Older profile (page last updated 02/06/2025); invasion and conservation sections are out of date; it offers P. miles figures as proxies for maximum weight (1.2 kg) and early development (not used); contains first-aid advice (not used); its introduction says 12 to 15 inches while its size section gives 300-380 mm TL.
ReferenceFishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.)Supports: identification, range, habitat, diet, body-size, weight, lifespan, activity, social-structure, human-interaction. Retrieved 2026-10-20.Limitations: Compiled summary; its depth range (2-55 m, Ref. 30874, a Christmas Island guide) differs from its own biology text (to 50 m); maximum length and weight cite Ref. 118189 (Ehemann 2017, a western Atlantic size record); maximum age cites Ref. 72479 (Hinton 1962); includes a sting-treatment sentence (not used).
UniversityAnimal Diversity Web (University of Michigan Museum of Zoology)Supports: body-size, lifespan; group-page check. Retrieved 2026-10-20.Limitations: Student-written account (Wood 2001, last updated 2001-07-24). Its reproduction, behavior and feeding details come from Fishelson's Gulf of Aqaba (Red Sea) studies, where the lionfish is P. miles, so they were not used; it repeats the Hurricane Andrew introduction story that USGS calls probably erroneous; its lifespan field labels 10.0 years as the average wild lifespan; it describes a yellow body background, unlike other sources.
GovernmentNOAA National Ocean Service (Ocean Facts: 'What is a lionfish?')Supports: diet, activity, social-structure, reproduction (figures for P. volitans and P. miles together). Retrieved 2026-10-20.Limitations: Covers Pterois volitans and P. miles together, so its figures are labelled as covering both species; its native-range text repeats the Florida Museum's; it ends with medical advice (not used); last updated 09/23/26.
ReferenceMuseums Victoria (Fishes of Australia; Bray 2017)Supports: identification, range, habitat, diet, body-size, activity, human-interaction. Retrieved 2026-10-20.Limitations: Australian focus; its depth figures (1-128 m, almost 130 m) are for Australian waters; contains typos ('dpeths', 'Carribean', 'spines a highly venomous').
UniversityAustralian Museum (McGrouther; updated 17/02/21)Supports: identification, body-size, human-interaction (which spines are venomous); group-page check. Retrieved 2026-10-20.Limitations: Short factsheet; its size statement does not name the measure ('38 cm in length').
ReferenceSmithsonian Environmental Research Center, NEMESIS (National Exotic Marine and Estuarine Species Information System)Supports: identification, range, habitat, diet, body-size, activity, social-structure, reproduction, human-interaction. Retrieved 2026-10-20.Limitations: Invasion-focused species summary; many statements say 'Lionfish' for studies of the invasive population (both species); its native range adds Hawaii, which no other source lists (not used); female maturity size is about 180 mm in the text but 170 mm in its table (not used); contains typos ('mesophotc', 'improtant'); includes a sting-treatment observation (not used).
ReferenceCalifornia Academy of Sciences (Eschmeyer's Catalog of Fishes)Supports: identity (accepted name, synonyms); range (distribution summary). Retrieved 2026-10-20.Limitations: Taxonomic catalogue (online version updated 21 Sep. 2026); distribution is a one-line summary.
ReferenceHuman Ageing Genomic Resources: AnAge, The Animal Ageing and Longevity DatabaseSupports: lifespan. Retrieved 2026-10-20.Limitations: Single maximum-longevity value from Carey and Judge (2000); sample size 'Medium', data quality 'Acceptable'.
ReferenceFrontiers in Marine Science (Blakeway, Fogg, Johnston, Rooker & Jones 2022)Supports: body-size, weight, lifespan, human-interaction (removal efforts). Retrieved 2026-10-20.Limitations: Primary study of invasive lionfish at Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, northwestern Gulf of Mexico (2015-2018); the title names P. volitans and the text notes that only P. volitans has been confirmed in the Gulf, but it otherwise says 'lionfish (P. volitans and P. miles)'; ranges are sample ranges, not species maxima.
ReferenceGulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute, Proceedings 63 (Potts, Berrane & Morris 2010)Supports: lifespan. Retrieved 2026-10-20.Limitations: Conference abstract; covers P. volitans and P. miles together (Onslow Bay, North Carolina, 2004-2009).
ReferenceIUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesSupports: The global Red List category and the year of the assessment. Retrieved 2026-10-20.Limitations: Read from the Red List export IUCN publishes to GBIF; iucnredlist.org itself does not answer automated reads. Categories are reassessed over time.

Frequently Asked Questions — Red Lionfish

Is the red lionfish venomous?

Yes. The spines of its dorsal, pelvic and anal fins carry venom and can inflict excruciatingly painful stings, which are a serious health emergency. Its long, fan-like pectoral fins and its tail fin have no spines.

How did lionfish reach the Atlantic?

Most probably through the aquarium trade. Lionfish were first seen off Florida in 1985 and are now established from Cape Hatteras to the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico; a 2007 genetic study found about 93% of Atlantic lionfish to be red lionfish.

What does the red lionfish eat?

Small fishes, shrimps and crabs, which it corners with its outstretched pectoral fins and swallows whole. Lionfish of both species are known to eat more than 50 species of fish.

How big does the red lionfish get?

Most accounts give a maximum length of 38 cm, but invasive specimens have reached 457 mm off Venezuela and 467 mm in Bermuda. The heaviest published weight is 1.4 kg.

Sources and further reading

Authoritative wildlife references used for general educational context. Conservation status should always be verified against current IUCN Red List data. External links open in a new tab.

GovernmentU.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database (Schofield, Morris, Langston & Fuller) — Red lionfish and devil firefish, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species fact sheet — identification, range, habitat, social-structure, reproduction, human-interaction (introduction pathway, impact studies)
UniversityFlorida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida), Discover Fishes (Robert H. Robins) — Red lionfish, Discover Fishes species profile — identification (incl. subfamily), range, habitat, diet, body-size, activity, social-structure, reproduction, human-interaction
ReferenceFishBase (Froese & Pauly, eds.) — Pterois volitans species summary — identification, range, habitat, diet, body-size, weight, lifespan, activity, social-structure, human-interaction
UniversityAnimal Diversity Web (University of Michigan Museum of Zoology) — Pterois volitans (red lionfish) species account — body-size, lifespan; group-page check
GovernmentNOAA National Ocean Service (Ocean Facts: 'What is a lionfish?') — What is a lionfish? (Ocean Facts) — diet, activity, social-structure, reproduction (figures for P. volitans and P. miles together)
ReferenceMuseums Victoria (Fishes of Australia; Bray 2017) — Pterois volitans, Fishes of Australia — identification, range, habitat, diet, body-size, activity, human-interaction
UniversityAustralian Museum (McGrouther; updated 17/02/21) — Common lionfish species account (Australia) — identification, body-size, human-interaction (which spines are venomous); group-page check
ReferenceSmithsonian Environmental Research Center, NEMESIS (National Exotic Marine and Estuarine Species Information System) — Pterois volitans, National Exotic Marine and Estuarine Species Information System — identification, range, habitat, diet, body-size, activity, social-structure, reproduction, human-interaction
ReferenceCalifornia Academy of Sciences (Eschmeyer's Catalog of Fishes) — Pterois volitans, Eschmeyer's Catalog of Fishes — identity (accepted name, synonyms); range (distribution summary)
ReferenceHuman Ageing Genomic Resources: AnAge, The Animal Ageing and Longevity Database — Pterois volitans longevity entry — lifespan
ReferenceFrontiers in Marine Science (Blakeway, Fogg, Johnston, Rooker & Jones 2022) — Blakeway et al. 2022, invasive lionfish at Flower Garden Banks — body-size, weight, lifespan, human-interaction (removal efforts)
ReferenceGulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute, Proceedings 63 (Potts, Berrane & Morris 2010) — Potts et al. 2010, age and growth of invasive lionfish (abstract) — lifespan
ReferenceIUCN Red List — Pterois volitans assessment — The global Red List category and the year of the assessment