AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Pterois volitans
Red lionfish
(Linnaeus, 1758)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
The red lionfish (Pterois volitans) is a venomous marine fish known for its showy fan-like pectoral fins and red, white, and dark banding. Native to the Indo-Pacific, it has become one of the most destructive invasive species in the western Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea.
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Anonymous Curator
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Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Actinopterygii
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Scorpaeniformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Scorpaenidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Pterois
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Linnaeus, 1758)
Record Completeness
95%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Introduced
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Increasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
It frequents coral reefs, rocky bottoms, seagrass beds, and mangrove roots, inhabiting surface waters down to depths exceeding 300 meters.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Predominantly crepuscular and nocturnal predator. In regions where it is invasive, it has no effective natural predators, allowing it to decimate local fish populations.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Highly solitary species that defends its territory. They only gather in small numbers during their juvenile stage or during reproductive periods.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Strict carnivore. It feeds by swallowing whole various species of small reef fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Apex predator in its invasive range, causing havoc in lower trophic levels. In its native habitat, it is preyed upon by giant moray eels, large groupers, and sharks.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Females release two hollow mucus masses into the water column containing thousands of eggs, which are fertilized by the male and carried away by the current.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
10.0 - 43.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
100 g - 1.20 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.10000 - 30000
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
1 - 2 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
2 - 3
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males10 - 15 Years
Females10 - 15 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Venomous spines: It possesses dorsal, anal, and pelvic spines that inject a potent neuromuscular venom as a defense mechanism.
Cornering fins: It uses its wide, spread pectoral fins to corner its prey against rocks before devouring them.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Human eradication: Due to its invasive status in the Atlantic, it is the target of massive spearfishing campaigns to control its population.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Expansible stomach: It can expand its stomach up to thirty times its normal volume, allowing it to consume huge amounts of prey in a single day.