Are lionfish venomous?

Yes. Lionfish have dorsal spines tipped with venom.

Where are lionfish native to?

They are native to the Indo-Pacific region.

Are any lionfish invasive?

Yes. Pterois volitans and Pterois miles are established invasive species in the west Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Mediterranean Sea.

Are lionfish kept in aquariums?

Yes. Species of Pterois are popular aquarium fish.

Which species are commonly studied?

Pterois radiata, Pterois volitans, and Pterois miles are the most commonly studied species in the genus.

What do lionfish look like?

They typically have conspicuous red or black banding and large, ornate dorsal fins.

Where have lionfish spread outside their native range?

P. volitans and P. miles have spread to the west Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Mediterranean Sea.

Do all lionfish have the same markings?

Markings vary by species, but conspicuous banding and ostentatious dorsal fins are characteristic of the genus.

Where to See Lionfish While Diving

Lionfish are venomous marine fish of the genus Pterois, native to the Indo-Pacific. They are characterized by conspicuous warning coloration, commonly red or black bands, and ostentatious dorsal fins tipped with venomous spines. Several species are common subjects of study, including Pterois radiata, Pterois volitans, and Pterois miles. Members of the genus are popular in the aquarium trade. Two species, P. volitans and P. miles, have become recent and notable invasive species in the west Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Mediterranean Sea.

The strongest linked planning options currently surface around destinations such as Mahé, Hurghada (Giftun and Abu Nuhas), Grenada (St. George's and Grand Anse) and countries such as Egypt, Grenada, Indonesia for divers building trips around lionfish.