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HABITS
The lionfish lives in shallow water among the rocks and coral
reefs of warm and temperate seas. Its featherlike fins and bristling spines are not merely
decorative but, rather, serve as camouflage that helps protect the fish among the seaweed
and coral on the seabed.
The lionfish spends most of its time lurking or
resting among the rocks on the bottom of the seabed. It is rarely detected unless it
moves. This behavior is typical of most scorpionfish (members of the Scorpaenidae
family).
Unlike the lionfish, some other species of scorpionfish
do not hide but, rather, swim through the water seemingly indifferent to predators. They
have poisonous spines and, like brightly colored wasps, they advertise the presence of the
spines with their gaudy coloration. Would-be predators seem to recognize the possible
danger and avoid swimming too close. As a result, the scorpionfish is virtually immune to
attack by other fish.
Above: The lionfish is one of the
few aggressive scorpionfish. It will raise its spines, point them at an intruder, and even
advance threateningly.
Above: The stonefish is a close
relative of the lionfish. Its harmless appearance disguises venomous spines that are
lethal to humans. |
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With its vivid coloration and poisonous spines, this
scorpionfish species effectively deters predators and, consequently, can swim freely
without fear of attack.
BREEDING
Most fish lay eggs. Many produce millions at a time, leaving them
to the ocean currents and to predators, so that only a small proportion survive to
maturity.
Some scorpionfish species, including the lionfish, have large
numbers of eggs that reach maturity. These fish are ovoviviparous (the eggs stay in
the female's body until they hatch), ensuring that the eggs are safe. Still, when the
hatchlings are released into the water, many fall prey to other fish. Several thousand
young must be produced each season so that a sufficient number will survive. The
Californian scorpionfish and some tropical species also lay eggs. The eggs are embedded in
a large, hollow, gelatinous balloon that floats on the water's surface. As soon as the
young hatch, they sink rapidly to the seabed to avoid being eaten by predators.
Above: A lionfish opens its mouth wide,
and its prey floods in with the water.
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FOOD & FEEDING
The lionfish eats any fish and crustaceans it can catch. It
expends a great deal of energy chasing its prey, so it must eat a large amount to
compensate for this loss. Still, like all predators, the lionfish has an instinctive
awareness that causes it to give up the chase if it seems likely to use more energy than
it is worth.
Some species of scorpionfish are bottom-dwelling and
remain motionless and virtually invisible when not feeding. Its inactivity uses up little
energy, so a single feeding will sustain the fish for several days.
DEFENSES
Scorpionfish spines are barbed and dagger-sharp,
and each has an elongated poison gland. The more elaborately finned shallow-water species
are the most poisonous.
The effect of the poison on an animal can be fatal.
Lionfish venom is a neurotoxin, or nerve poison, and when injected into a predatory
fish, it paralyzes its muscles-- including its heart. For a human, the consequences are
usually less drastic, but still extremely painful.
KEY FACTS
Length: Lionfish grow to 15 in., with
pectoral fins spanning 30 in.
Mating season: Spring for temperate species.
No. of young: Up to 20,000 in some species.
Habit: Solitary. Lionfish are free- swimming; other species
are mainly bottom-dwellers.
Diet: Smaller fish, small crabs, prawns, and shrimp. |
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