Scorpion fish or Lionfish - Pterois volitans

The scorpion fish or lionfish or Scorpion flying (Pterois volitans (Linnaeus, 1758)) is a saltwater fish of the Scorpaenidae family.

Il Pesce Scorpione - The Red Lionfish - Pterois volitans - intotheblue.it

Il Pesce Scorpione – The Red Lionfish – Pterois volitans – intotheblue.it

Distribution and habitat

P. volitans is native to the Indo-Pacific region, including the western and central Pacific and off the coast of western Australia. However, the species has been accidentally introduced into the Western Atlantic, becoming an invasive species there and in the northern Gulf of Mexico as well.

Pesce Leone - Pesce Scorpione - Pterois volitans - Red Lionfish - intotheblue.it

Pesce Leone – Pesce Scorpione – Pterois volitans – Red Lionfish – intotheblue.it

Description

The red lionfish (Pterois volitans) is a venomous coral reef fish in the family Scorpaenidaeorder ScorpaeniformesP. volitans is natively found in the Indo-Pacific region, but has become an invasive problem in the Caribbean Sea, as well as along the East Coast of the United States. This and a similar species, Pterois miles, have both been deemed invasive species. Red lionfish are clad in white stripes alternated with red/maroon/brown stripes. Adults in this species can grow as large as 47 cm (18.5 in)[2] in length, making it one of the largest species of lionfish in the ocean, while juveniles are typically shorter than 1 inch (2.5 cm).[3] The average red lionfish lives around 10 years. As with many species within the family Scopaenidae, it has large, venomous spines that protrude from the body, similar to a mane, giving it the common name lionfish. The venomous spines make the fish inedible or deter most potential predators. Lionfish reproduce monthly and are able to quickly disperse during their larval stage for expansion of their invasive region. No definitive predators of the lionfish are known, and many organizations are promoting the harvest and consumption of lionfish in efforts to prevent further increases in the already high population densities.

Pesce scorpione - red Lionfish - Pterois volitans - intotheblue.it

Pesce scorpione – red Lionfish – Pterois volitans – intotheblue.it

Venom

Lionfish venomous dorsal spines are used purely for defense. When threatened, the fish often faces its attacker in an upside-down posture which brings its spines to bear. However, its sting is usually not fatal to humans. Envenomed humans will experience extreme pain, and possibly headaches, vomiting, and breathing difficulties. A common treatment is soaking the afflicted area in hot water, as very few hospitals carry specific treatments.However, immediate emergency, medical attention is strongly recommended, as some people are more sensitive to the venom than others.

https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pterois_volitans

 

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Pesce Leone

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