Lionfish Identification

When is a "lionfish" not really a lionfish?

The Indo-Pacific Lionfish is a venomous marine species notable for its extremely long and separated spines, and have a generally striped appearance, and can appear red, green, navy green, brown, orange, yellow, black, maroon, or white.

 

Below are several examples of lionfish...

Commonly Misidentified Species

Magnificent Feather Duster Magnificent Feather Duster

Magnificent Feather Duster

  • Actually a worm, not a fish
  • While it does have similar pattern and coloration, this invertabrate does not swim. Instead it retreats into its tube when disturbed.
  • From a distance can easily be mistaken
  • Make positive ID before reporting as a lionfish
Scorpionfish Scorpionfish

Scorpionfish

  • In the same family as lionfish
  • Also venomous (don't touch!)
  • Lacks long dorsal, anal, and ventral spines
  • Not a threat to the reef
Flying Gurnard Flying Gurnard

Flying Gurnard

  • Closely related to the Atlantic Flying fish
  • When disturbed, spreads ventral fins like wings
  • Found almost exclusively on sandy bottom
  • Not a threat to the reef
Harlequin Bass Harlequin Bass

Harlequin Bass

  • Not a lionfish
  • Enough said

* If after an encounter you are convinced of the resemblance, Sweet Bottom has a wonderful selection of prescription lenses for your mask, and offers Fish ID and Underwater Naturalist specialty courses. :)

Red-spotted Hawkfish Red-spotted Hawkfish

Red-spotted Hawkfish

  • While size and coloration are similar, long fines and plumes are missing
  • Lionfish are stripped, not spotted
  • Not a threat to the reef