Lionfish

Mostly lionfish are appearing in red and white zebra stripes, long and showy pectoral fins. The lionfish is also known as the Turkey Fish, Scorpion or Fire Fish. 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.

The lionfish has various species and it can be found worldwide, especially in tropical sea. The common lionfish generally reaches a size of 30 cm to 35 cm (12 inches), while smaller lionfish, like the Fuzzy Dwarf, are typically the size of a tennis ball, not including fins. The largest of lionfish can grow to about 15 inches (0.4 meters) in length.

Usually, lionfish more behave to be defensive and not aggressive toward humans. They will almost always keep their distance with humans when given the opportunity, so they’re likely a relatively low risk.

The venom of the lionfish, delivered via an array of up to 18 needle-like dorsal fins, is purely defensive. When threatened, the fish often faces its attacker in an upside down posture which brings its spines to bear. In addition, their stings are not deadly, but they are very painful. If a human is envenomed, that person will experience extreme pain, and possibly headaches, vomiting, and breathing difficulties, but is rarely fatal.

Lionfish are hungry predators. Lionfish are tending to use camouflage and lightning-fast strategy when dealing with his enemy. When hunting, they corner prey using their large fins and then use their quick reflexes to swallow the prey whole.

Though Lionfish far more prized in the aquarium trade but they are also popular in some parts of the world as food.

Source: National Geographic and Wikipedia