Lionfish
A Lionfish is any of several species of venomous marine fish in the genera Pterois, Parapterois, Brachypterois, Ebosia or Dendrochirus, of the family Scorpaenidae. The lionfish is also known as the Turkey Fish, Scorpion or Fire Fish. The largest species of lionfish can grow up to 0.4 meters, or 15 inches, in length, although on an average their length is about 0.3 meters, or 1 foot. An adult lionfish can weigh up to 1.2 kg, or 2.6 lbs. And the lifespan of the lionfish in the wild can be around 15 years, on an average They are notable for their extremely long and separated spines, and have a generally striped appearance, red, green, navy green, brown, orange, yellow, black, maroon, or white. This brightly coloured fish is usually found in coral reefs, especially in shallow waters hovering in caves or near crevices. Lionfish have venomous fin spines that can produce painful puncture wounds. Fatalities, however, are rare. The fish have elongated dorsal fin spines and enlarged pectoral fins, and each species has a particular pattern of zebra like stripes. Interesting fish.
Lionfish
A person punctured by one of the sharp spines will immediately feel strong pain. Rapid swelling of the affected body area develops along with the possibility of making movement of limbs very difficult. Lionfish stings can cause nausea, breathing difficulties, paralysis, convulsions and collapse. Even death may occur in exceptional circumstances. Most people survive in spite of the great pain. The venom in the spines remains active for days, so even discarded spines should be treated with caution. It may take several months for a full recovery and if the sting is left untreated, gangrene may develop.
Lionfish
The lionfish’s native habitat is the rocky crevices and reefs Indo-Pacific waters, although these days they can be found in the eastern coast of America too. It is not clear how they have found their way there, but according to some speculation it is thought that perhaps some specimens that were released by some aquariums have perhaps begun to propagate themselves in these warm waters.The lionfish hunts mostly during the day, and in the day time they hide in small underwater caves and under ledges.
Lionfish are popular in some parts of the world as food, but are far more prized in the aquarium trade. Their population numbers are healthy and their distribution is growing, causing some concerned in the United States, where some feel the success of this non-indigenous species presents human and environmental dangers
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