Firefish Gallery

Lionfish on a reef

Lionfish (Pterois volitans) hunting smaller fish on a coral reef. The lionfish is a predator, often hunting in groups. It uses its widespread fins to force prey, mostly smaller fish, into a crevice in coral or rocks, before sucking it into its mouth with a huge gulp. The spines in the fins contain a potent toxin, which deter predators and can deliver a very painful sting. The lionfish inhabits reefs in the tropical Indo-Pacific region, and in recent years has been sighted in the Caribbean, probably due to escapees from aquaria. It can reach about 38 centimetres in length. Photographed in the Egyptian Red Sea

© GEORGETTE DOUWMA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

JML03819

Radial firefish (Pterois radiata) Venomous, capable of inflicting a painful sting., Aquarium shot. Originates from Indian Ocean, Indo-Pacific: Red Sea southward to Sodwana Bay in South Africa and eastward to the Society Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to New Caledonia; throughout Micronesia

© ©Labat/Lanceau/AUSCAPE All rights reserved

Radial lionfish

Radial lionfish. The radial lionfish (Pterois radiata) is a highly venomous predatory marine fish. Its long dorsal spines are laced with a dangerous toxin and are normally used for defence. It is not usually fatal to humans. Photographed in the Red Sea off the coast of Eilat, Israel

© PHOTOSTOCK-ISRAEL/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

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