lionfish
Striped reef predator
A lionfish is a venomous fish native to Indo-Pacific waters, recognizable by its dramatic fan of striped, spiny fins.
The spines deliver painful stings but are rarely fatal to humans.
Lionfish have become invasive in the Atlantic and Caribbean, where they devastate reef ecosystems by consuming native species.
We spotted a lionfish hiding in the coral.
Stiff, pointed projections
envenomation · puncture · toxin · defense · antivenin · swelling · pain · neurotoxin
Parallel linear markings
- bandedHaving encircling marks
- finsSwimming appendages
- featheryLight and soft-textured
- ornateElaborately decorated
flowing · pectoral fins · maroon · white · red · brown · dramatic · showy
Marine skeletal formation
- reefUnderwater rock or coral formation
- scubaPortable underwater breathing gear
- diverOne who submerges
- oceanMassive saltwater body
marine · saltwater · tropical · underwater · aquarium · sea · depths · anemone
Not indigenous here
- eradicationTotal elimination of something
- biodiversityRange of life forms
- threatIndication of potential harm
- overpopulationUnsustainable density of inhabitants
competition · colonization · spread · infestation · proliferation · management · control · culling
Safe to consume
- sustainableAble to endure long-term
- white fleshLight inner fruit tissue
- mildModerate in intensity
- cevicheCitrus-cured raw seafood dish
sashimi · fillet · harvest · chef · recipe · delicacy · restaurant · preparation
For beauty, not function
- tankLarge storage vessel
- captiveOne held by force
- exotic petNon-standard kept animal
- saltwater tankVessel for ocean life
hobbyist · display · feeding · brackish · fishkeeping · collector · trade · import
spines
Stiff, pointed projections
pectoral · envenomation · puncture · toxin · defense · antivenin · swelling · pain · neurotoxin · barb
stripes
Parallel linear markings
ornate · flowing · pectoral fins · maroon · white · red · brown · dramatic · showy · plumage
coral
Marine skeletal formation
ocean · marine · saltwater · tropical · underwater · aquarium · sea · depths · anemone · lagoon
non-native
Not indigenous here
- eradicationTotal elimination of something
- biodiversityRange of life forms
- threatIndication of potential harm
overpopulation · competition · colonization · spread · infestation · proliferation · management · control · culling · Gulf of Mexico
edible
Safe to consume
- sustainableAble to endure long-term
- white fleshLight inner fruit tissue
- mildModerate in intensity
ceviche · sashimi · fillet · harvest · chef · recipe · delicacy · restaurant · preparation
ornamental
For beauty, not function
- tankLarge storage vessel
- captiveOne held by force
- exotic petNon-standard kept animal
saltwater tank · hobbyist · display · feeding · brackish · fishkeeping · collector · trade · import · stunning
- aquarium lifegoldfish, betta, guppy, neon tetra, angelfish
- venomous fishstonefish, scorpionfish, toadfish, stargazer, rabbitfish
- Scorpaeniformessculpin, rockfish, scorpionfish, stonefish, gurnard
- fishcod, salmon, bass, perch, eels
- marine lifeshark, sea turtles, manatees, whale, dolphins
- ocean lifeocean, sea, sea creatures, shark, sea life
lionfishnative species
Organisms originating in a region
parrotfish · grouper · endemic species · keystone species · clownfish
fish, fishes, starfish, sea lion, lions, lionize, lionhearted, lionizing, lionized