Red Volitan Lionfish

(Pterois volitans)

This red volitan lionfish (Pterois volitans) is a beautiful and skilled predator. The lionfish is hardy, can live almost anywhere, and has very few predators, which became a problem after the Pacific-native fish was introduced by humans to the Atlantic. Now it is known as an invasive species, and some reef conservationists have been trying to encourage local sharks to hunt lionfish in order to keep the population down. The gorgeous lionfish has venomous spines which make it difficult for predators to consume them. Still, they do wonderfully in a carnivore-only home aquarium.