Red Lionfish [Pterois volitans]
Description
The Red Lionfish is a venomous coral reef fish in the family Scorpaenidae, order Scorpaeniformes. This species is native to the Indo-Pacific region, but has become an invasive problem in the Caribbean Sea and along the East Coast of the United States. They are known for their venomous fin rays, an uncommon feature among marine fish in the East Coast coral reefs. The potency of their venom makes them excellent predators and hazardous to fishermen and divers.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Fish
Actinopterygii
|
| Order |
Scorpionfishes and Flatheads
Scorpaeniformes
|
| Family |
Scorpionfishes
Scorpaenidae
|
| Genus |
Lionfishes
Pterois
|