Latin name

Pterois miles

Other name

Common lionfish

Identification

The large head of this fish is one-third to one-half of the total body length. It is similar in appearance to another species, Pterois volitans. Although Pterois volitans is predominantly a Pacific species, the ranges of the two species overlap in the Sumatra region.

Features of fish fins

The dorsal fin has 13 spines and 9 to 11 soft rays. The anal fin has 3 barb rays and 6 to 7 soft rays. 

Fish colouring

Coloration varies from reddish to brown and gray, with numerous thin cross-barring on the body and head. 

Distribution

Widespread in the Indian Ocean from the Red Sea south to Port Alfred (Eastern Cape Province, South Africa) and east to Sumatra. Also found in the eastern Mediterranean, where it arrived as a result of the Lessepsian migration.

Habitat

Tropical marine species. Mainly found near reefs, at depths down to 60 meters. 

Size

Devil Firefish grow to a length of 35 centimeters. 

Behavior

Adults live in coastal waters in muddy habitats. They are mainly nocturnal, hiding in crevices during the day. 

Food and feeding habits

Nocturnal predator that feeds on crustaceans and small fish.

Reproduction

Reproduction is rare. It can take more than 14 years for a population to double in size.

Fishing

It has no commercial meaning.

Relationship with a person

Adults have small spines around the gill cover and tufts of spines on the dorsal, anal and caudal fins. The spines are extremely poisonous, and a sting from this fish can be fatal. Despite its extreme venomousness, the Devil Firefish is a popular aquarium fish.