How does a lionfish swim

From its foot-long, venom-filled spines to its striped colouring, the lionfish is a species like no other. Beautiful yet deadly, the lionfish is one of the most recognisable creatures of the depths. Learn all about this striking species in our fact file below. There are 12 known species, with the most prevalent being the Red lionfish. Their most defining features are the 18 long, venomous spines which protrude around their bodies — positioned on the back, underbelly and dorsal to provide all-round protection from predators.

As well as their huge, intimidating spines, lionfish feature a vibrant red and white striped colouring, which is also intended as a defence against predators. Lionfish prey on small fish, crustaceans and molluscs, using their long spines and bilateral swim bladder muscles to expertly corner and pick off their victims.

Biologists also believe that lionfish are able to spray jets of water at their prey to disorient them right before they strike — a tactic which makes them a truly formidable hunter. The lionfish has few predators in the wild, thanks in part to the effectiveness of their venomous spines. Twelve different lionfish species swim through this region, feasting on shrimp and smaller fish.

Lionfish corner their prey against reefs and rocks, then strike suddenly to swallow the prey whole. A voracious species, lionfishes' stomachs can expand to up to 30 times their normal size after a meal, according to Smithsonian magazine , leaving the fish plenty of room for seconds.

Lionfish not only have huge appetites, but also breed with similar gusto. They reproduce year-round, meaning a mature female can release about 2 million eggs per year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOAA. Juveniles measure less than an inch 2.

Unusually large lionfish have been found swimming at depths of up to feet 91 meters , and these mega-specimens breed and eat even more than their smaller counterparts do.

Lionfish can survive for up to 15 years in the wild, according to National Geographic. No matter the size, all lionfish sport spines along their back, pelvis and underside, and they use these protrusions for defense. According to National Geographic Young Explorer Erin Spencer , when a lionfish spine punctures flesh, the pressure pushes out toxin from two venom glands along the fish's backbone.

The poison rushes through channels on either side of the backbone, through the spine and into the victim. In humans, lionfish stings cause intense pain and sweating, and in extreme cases, respiratory distress and paralysis. The intensity and duration of these effects depend on an individual's sensitivity to the toxin and how many spines have stabbed them.

The only known remedy is to remove the spines and soak the wound in hot water, no hotter than degrees Fahrenheit The pain usually subsides after one or two days but can sometimes persist for weeks. Few studies have investigated what makes lionfish stings so painful. Some toxins act nonspecifically and punch pores through cell membranes indiscriminately. However, a study published in the journal Pain suggested that lionfish venom specifically targets nerve cells that relay pain signals throughout the body.

Mouchbahani-Constance said that future research will explore how the venom works on a molecular level and how predators of the lionfish consume the species safely. Further research into how lionfish venom causes pain could lead to the development of an antidote, she said. Though known for their venom and flowing fins, lionfish have also earned notoriety as an aggressively invasive species. The first lionfish was reported in South Florida waters in with many additional sightings occurring until they were documented as established in the early s.

Habitat: Lionfish are found in mostly all marine habitat types found in warm marine waters of the tropics. Lionfish have been found in water depths from 1 to feet on hard bottom, mangrove, seagrass, coral, and artificial reefs like shipwrecks.

Ecological Role: Lionfish are slow-moving and conspicuous, so they must rely on their unusual coloration and fins to discourage would-be predators from eating them. Lionfish are now one of the top predators in many coral reef environments of the Atlantic. Lionfish consume over 50 species of fish including some economically and ecologically important species. Lionfish are active hunters who ambush their prey by using their outstretched, fan-like pectoral fins to slowly pursue and "corner" them.

Behavior: Lionfish are thought to be nocturnal hunters, but they have been found with full stomachs during the day in the Atlantic. They move about by slowly undulating the soft rays of the dorsal and anal fins.

During the day, they sometimes retreat to ledges and crevices among the rocks and corals. Although in the Atlantic, lionfish are often seen moving about during the day, both alone and in small groups.

Lionfish are native to the warm, tropical waters of the South Pacific and Indian Oceans i. Their native range is shown in orange on the map. Economic Importance: Although lionfish have been used as a food source in their native range, economically, they are far more important in the aquarium trade.

Lionfish are very popular and common aquarium fish, especially in the U. Conservation Status: Lionfish are not currently listed as threatened or endangered in their native range.