The lionfish characteristics include fins with rays exposed by tissue, a pattern of brown and white stripes, and two antennae above the eyes.
Tropical oceans are home to an unparalleled wealth of species made possible by the warm waters. The lionfish that live there have striking colors, and among the most special is the lionfish. In addition to having a peculiar color pattern, its fins look like a lion’s mane.
This aspect serves to warn of its danger. In fact it is classified as one of the most poisonous fish in existence. We invite you to continue reading this article from Green Ecology to learn more about the characteristics of the lionfish and information about this invasive species.
Characteristics of the lionfish
Lionfish are those that belong to the genus Pterois. Lion fish are characterized by having pectoral and dorsal fins with very long rays, without tissue between them. Lionfish eyes have a pair of antennae that look like horns. They have aposematic coloration in a striking pattern of brown and white stripes that alert predators who want to eat them of possible danger. They contain a dangerous poison.
There are 12 species of lionfish with variations in their physique and habitat. Some of the most popular are:
• Red lionfish ( Pterois volitans ): measures 35 centimeter’s long. It has feathery fins.
• White-finned lionfish ( Pterois radiata ): 25 cm long, darker in color. It has a pinkish-white chin. The rays are completely white and give an ethereal appearance.
• Soldier lionfish ( Pterois miles ): it is whiter than the previous ones, and has a more rounded head.
The question arises. can they be eaten? The answer is yes. This practice helps to control excessive populations. we will see later are a real plague. For fishing to have this aspect, small fish must be removed to prevent them from reaching the reproductive stage.
However, it must be done in places where they are an invasive species and with global balance so as not to take the species to the other extreme of conservation and put it at risk.
Where does the lionfish live?
They live on the seabed . They can live up to 15 years. Lion fish weight about two and a half pounds. They can be found among rocks or sea grasses. They blend in very well with their surroundings due to their brown color pattern, and often manage to go completely unnoticed.
As for geographical distribution, they are found in tropical waters . They are native to the Pacific and Indian Oceans , varying in regions depending on the species.
The lionfish is an invasive species and has been introduced into the Atlantic Ocean and its seas. so it is possible to see the lionfish in the Mediterranean even though it is not its native area.
The lionfish in Venezuela has also swoop on the Caribbean Sea. they found near Florida in the United States. It was initially introduced for the aquarium trade, but the situation got out of control.
What does lionfish eat?
In their natural environment they feed on small live fish , such as guppies, or also shrimp and crabs . They are predatory carnivores , but also generalists, eating as much as they can. The technique for capturing their prey is to let themselves be carried by the current until they come across a prey and pounce on it. Others can form groups to corner them together.
Is lionfish poisonous?
The lionfish is poisonous . It has secretory organ. Organs connect to the outside that come out of the dorsal fin. Two rays of the anal fin and two rays of the ventral fin. They are aggressive and territorial fish. You should avoid them.
What a lionfish sting looks like and what to do
The sting has a purely defensive effect. When they feel threatened, they expose their fins with rays or poisonous spines to marine predators. First, the rays puncture the skin causing pain. and second they inject poison that causes fever, respiratory and circulatory failure .
If you are stung by a lionfish. you should apply hot water directly to the affected area. which will help reduce the pain and make the effects of the venom less severe. Afterwards, you should go to a medical facility to have the wound checked.
Fortunately, the venom is not lethal to humans , but unnecessary contact should be avoided. There are more risks, such as infection of the wound due to suffering these symptoms while still in the water.
How the presence of lionfish affects the native ecosystem
The lionfish is a pest because it has a high rate of larval survival. it is skilled at crossing environmental boundaries and it is a predator. It has been introduced to places other than its own and due to its invasive nature. its populations have grown disproportionately, altering the ecosystem balance and displacing native species. For example, the island of San Andrés in Colombia has 1 million lion fish a fairly high number.
Lion fish diet
Specifically, lion fish affect the native ecosystem by preying on as many fish as they can. A single 12-inch fish eats 10 pounds of fish a year. They also eats crustaceans. This creates a ripple effect, as the species that feed on the fish that are now prey to the lionfish is left without food.