Red Volitan Lionfish

The red lionfish, like all lionfish, carried venom delivered via an array of up to 18 needle-like dorsal fins, is purely defensive. It relies on camouflage and lightning-fast reflexes to capture prey, mainly fish and shrimp. A sting from a lionfish is extremely painful to humans and can cause nausea and breathing difficulties, but is rarely fatal.

• Scientific Name: Pterois volitans
• Origin: Caribbean, Indonesia, Vanuatu
• Lifespan: 15 years
• Max Size: 15 inches
• Food: live fish and shrimp