Pterois volitans

Lionfish

30-45 cm
10-18 jaar
Niet bedreigd (invasief in de Atlantische Oceaan)
Over

Lionfish

The lionfish is one of the most beautiful and dangerous invasive species in the Caribbean. Native to the Indo-Pacific, these striking fish have established themselves throughout the Caribbean and western Atlantic since the 1990s, causing significant damage to native reef ecosystems due to their voracious appetite and lack of natural predators.

Grootte

30-45 cm

Gewicht

0.5-1.5 kg

Levensduur

10-18 jaar

Status

Niet bedreigd (invasief in de Atlantische Oceaan)

Waar je ze kunt vinden

Beste duiklocaties

BahamasKaaimaneilandenBelizeHonduras (roatán)Rode Zee, EgypteFilipijnenIndonesiëThailandMaledivenCaribisch gebied

Duiktips

Lionfish are beautiful but venomous—never touch their spines. If you see one in the Caribbean, many dive operators encourage culling to protect native species. Watch for them hiding under ledges and in crevices.

Beste seizoen

Year-round, especially prolific in the Caribbean

Leefgebied

Coral reefs, rocky substrates, mangroves, and artificial structures in tropical waters

Voeding

Small fish, shrimp, and crabs—consuming huge quantities of native reef fish
Wist je dat?

Leuke weetjes

1

A single lionfish can reduce native reef fish populations by 79%

2

Females can release up to 2 million eggs per year

3

Their venom causes extreme pain but is rarely fatal to humans

4

Many restaurants in the Caribbean now serve lionfish to help control populations

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