Red Lionfish

Lionfish are called many different names, including butterfly cod to turkeyfish. Whatever you call them, they’re a stealthy predator! Their flamboyant striped bodies can change from dark to light at different times of day or in different habitats for camouflage, or for a vibrant courtship display. They use their fins to sweep prey out of hiding—and swallow them in one gulp! Lionfish avoid being eaten or defend their territory with dozens of poisonous spines on their body.

Lionfish are active by night (nocturnal) and rest in crevices during the day. Females lay thousands of eggs that are fertilized by males through spawning. The eggs hatch into larvae, which mature into adults in about a month. Lionfish can live up to 10 years or more.