Safety note: Handle with care due to venomous spines.
The Red Lionfish is a striking fish with long, venomous spines and a distinctive pattern of red, white, and brown stripes. Its beautiful appearance belies its invasive nature in many regions, where it threatens local fish populations.
Habitat
Found in warm, shallow waters of the Indo-Pacific and the Caribbean.
Diet
Primarily feeds on small fish and crustaceans.
How common
Common
Recent Red Lionfish sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Red Lionfish? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Red Lionfish is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love fish? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.