Lionfish are strikingly striped, venomous fish native to the Indo-Pacific. In the Atlantic and Caribbean they are one of the most damaging marine invasive species.
Interesting facts
- Their long, feathery fins hide venomous spines.
- Lionfish stings are very painful but rarely deadly; hot water helps ease the pain.
- A female lionfish can release about two million eggs a year.
- Native Atlantic predators rarely eat lionfish.
- Many Caribbean countries encourage people to catch and eat lionfish.
- They have spread into the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal.
Behaviour
Lionfish hunt at dusk and at night, using their wide fins to herd small fish into corners before swallowing them whole.
Breeding and young
Females release floating egg masses every few days, which drift and spread widely.
Threats and conservation
Not threatened; controlled where invasive.
Where to see it
- Red Sea, Egypt (native)
- Indonesia and the Philippines (native)
- Bonaire and the Caribbean (invasive)
- Lionfish derbies in Florida
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
