Pterois volitans

Lionfish

30-45 cm
10-18 anos
Pouco preocupante (invasor no Atlântico)
Sobre

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.

Tamanho

30-45 cm

Peso

0.5-1.5 kg

Expectativa de vida

10-18 anos

Estado

Pouco preocupante (invasor no Atlântico)

Onde encontrá-los

Melhores locais de mergulho

BahamasCayman IslandsBelizeHonduras (roatán)Mar Vermelho, EgitoFilipinasIndonésiaTailândiaMaldivasTodo o Caribe

Dicas de mergulho

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.

Melhor época

Year-round, especially prolific in the Caribbean

Habitat

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

Alimentação

Small fish, shrimp, and crabs—consuming huge quantities of native reef fish
Você sabia?

Curiosidades

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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