lionfish

Lionfish are striking-looking marine fish with long, flowing fins and bold, striped patterns. Native to the Indo-Pacific, they inhabit warm ocean waters and coral reefs. Known for their venomous spines, they can deliver painful stings to humans. Lionfish are voracious predators, feeding on smaller fish and invertebrates, which can imbalance local ecosystems where they are invasive. Their rapid reproduction and lack of natural predators outside their native range have contributed to their spread, making them a significant threat to reef biodiversity and health. Managing lionfish populations is important for preserving marine ecosystems.