Order:  Scorpaeniformes 

Focusing on the Family: Pteroinae - Lionfish

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Inhabiting all tropical and most subtropical seas the family Scorpaenida represents a large array of fishes including stonefish, leaf fish, waspfish, lionfish, crocodilefish, velvetfish and scorpionfish which are all featured on this site.

Most are benthic creatures and rarely swim, all of them possess venomous spines of varying potency.

They lay eggs of jelly like masses which are pelagic and float to the waters surface. Once hatched the juveniles spend many months in the water column slowly descending to the bottom where they grow into ferocious sit and wait predators feeding on fish and crustaceans. 

Common characteristics of Scorpaeniformes include large head and mouth in relation to the rest of their body and armour like ridges around the cheek, as seen left.

They also possess venomous spines along the dorsal and anal fins, as seen right, each has two venom sacks at the base which are squeezed together when contact is made, thus injecting the poison.

The more spines that make contact - the more venom is received.



 
Family: Pteroinae - Lionfish
The most mobile of the order, often seen hovering above the substrate, coral blocks and submerged debris.

They are quite stunning due to their long dorsal fins and elaborate pectoral fins pictured left. As a result they are sought after creatures for the aquarium trade.
This elaborate striped coloration is a warning sign to predators that they are poisonous, its also thought that the lines confuse those that might wish to eat them by breaking up the body form. Some species have "false eye" spots (image right), meant to confuse predators as to the where abouts of the creatures true eyes as this is usually the focus of an attack.

They are formidable hunters and when disturbed they often make little effort to swim away, instead slowly turning their back towards the intruder, should they feel under attack they would jolt backwards impaling the predator on the venomous spines.



 
Species: Pterois volitans - Common Lionfish
As the name suggests this is a common species in certain area's, namely the Red Sea and Indo pacific.

A fairly large creature, growing to 35cm in length.

They feed mainly on fish. The body is covered with red to black bands on a pale background.

Night divers beware as they are attracted to torch lights, we have witnessed people almost sitting on them unaware of their presence. They are particularly good photo subjects as they're often seen in mid-water, although when approached they turn their back on you in preparation for defense, so don't get too close.



Species: Pterois antennata - Spot- Fin Lionfish

Regularly encountered by divers, often seen resting on coral heads and rocks.

This species is easily identified by the long spineson pectoral fins and named for the blue spots on the membrane of the fin. Growing up to approx. 20-cm in size and inhabiting coral reefs throughout Indo Pacific.
 



Species: Dendrochirus zebra  - Zebra Lionfish

The body has a typical pattern of dark red bands, with alternating large and narrow band.

Often confused with the Dwarf Lionfish, the pattern bars are however more defined on this species. When fanning its pectoral fins, as seen, image right, note that long filaments are absent, differentiating this species from other members of this family.

Up to 20cm in size and living at depths ranging 3-100m.




 
Species: Parapterios heterurus - Blackfoot Lionfish

On first appearance this relatively small lionfish bares many similarities to other family members of the species.

However upon closer inspection it's easily identified by striking bright blue lines on the inside of its pectoral fins and dots on the inner part of the ventral fins, displayed below. These are displayed as a warning to possible predators.

Between the second and third spine of the tailfin is an extended filament which can be seen in the image below. This feature is a very quick way of identifying your find as a Blackfoot Lionfish.

A deep water species, usually not encountered by divers.

Sadly, the best chance for marine enthusiasts to see this fish is to hang around the jetty when the bottom trawler boats bring in their bycatch.

Our observation suggests it to be nocturnal species and a very rare find but once discovered can be seen regularly in the same area, but only at night. Photographed here beneath Seaventures Resort - Mabul Island, Celebes Sea.