Striped fish with long spines, fan-shaped fins, and bold red markings.

Red lionfish

Pterois volitans
Where at Shedd?
Wild Reef
Diet Small fishes, shrimps and crabs
Size Length: Up to 15 inches (38 cm)
Type Fishes
Range Native in the East Indian and West-Central Pacific Oceans' lagoons and reefs. Introduced to the West-Central Atlantic Ocean
Habitat This solitary species may be found in lagoon and sea-facing reefs in the Indian and central Pacific Oceans

Did you know?

  1. Invasive lionfish eat so many native fishes that many get obese. Scientists have found fat in their organs.
  2. Never release unwanted pet fish into the waterways. Genetic testing shows that the explosion of invasive lionfish could have started with as few as three lionfish. Yes, three!

IUCN Red List Conservation Status