Lionfish


 * Phyla:** Chordata


 * Class:** Actinopterygii[[image:http://www.sms.si.edu/irlspec/images/pvolitans1.jpg align="right"]]


 * Scientific Name:** //Pterois volitans//


 * Location:** Indo-Pacific and have recently been introduced to the east coast of the United States, including coastal Florida


 * Size:** Typically 15-30 cm


 * Habitat:** lagoons, inland shore areas, harbors, and offshore reefs


 * Living Requirements:** areas with many small fish and other marine life such as shrimp to feed on


 * Life Cycle:** Eggs hatch in 36 hours of fertilization and within 2-3 days they are capable of eating ciliates and zooplankton


 * Male and Female Differences:** When the fish are ready to spawn the males will become a little darker in color while the females will become a little bit paler in color


 * Facts:**
 * Is sometimes referred to as "Turkeyfish"
 * Its long spines are highly venomous
 * Its long spines are used as defense and a means of capturing prey





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Zookeeper: Jeffrey Slape Content: [] [] Pictures: [] [] Video: []
 * Sources:**