Red Lionfish

The red lionfish is a striking marine fish known for its vibrant red, white, and brown stripes and long, venomous fin spines. Native to the Indo-Pacific region, it has become an invasive species in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean, where it threatens local ecosystems. Lionfish are effective predators, feeding on smaller fish and invertebrates, which can disrupt the balance of reef communities. Their venomous spines provide a defense mechanism against predators. Due to their rapid reproduction and lack of natural predators in new areas, lionfish populations are expanding rapidly, prompting efforts to control their spread and protect native marine life.