Red Lionfish

Red Lionfish, Color Variation

This Lionfish has long, feather-like dorsal and pectoral fins. Its body is patterned with reddish-brown to black bands on a pale background. Juveniles are almost transparent, with reddish spots on their fins.

The Red Lionfish is an invasive species and a solitary predator that thrives in a variety of habitats. Originally native to the Indo-Pacific, it has no natural predators in the Caribbean, allowing its population to grow rapidly and disrupt local ecosystems. Females are prolific spawners, releasing millions of eggs annually, further contributing to its invasive spread. On Bonaire, certified divers who have completed a specialized lionfish hunting course are permitted to catch lionfish using an E.L.F. (Eliminate Lionfish) spear. This fish is venomous, with spines on its dorsal, ventral, and anal fins. Divers can get close to it, but the lionfish often turns its head away or hides when it senses a threat.