Pterois sp. “volitans”

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names
English : Red lionfish
French : Rascasse volante

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Perciformes
Family : Scorpaenidae
Notes : This species is a hybrid between P. miles and P. russelli.

Identification
The species grows to 45 cm in length for a weight of 1,4 kg. Dorsal and pectoral fins with long feather-like banded rays. Caudal fin spotted. Coloration beige to white with broad and thin brown to red-brown vertical bands.

Range and habitat
The species is a hybrid between the Indian-Ocean based P. miles and the Pacific ocean based P. russelli. Initially found from Sumatra to Marquesas islands, south Japan to Australia. Introduced in the Caribbean area and Mediterranean Sea. Lives in lagoons and seaward reefs, also turbid waters, down to 50 meters deep.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species as it is for now is highly invasive and expanding its range. It is harvested for the trade and for food but that isn’t a threat.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

Back to “Stonefishes and scorpionfishes” page