#scorpaenidae

Young Invader

This is a juvenile red lionfish(Pterois volitans). As it matures, those conspicuous pectoral fin spots will disappear, and it will develop the striking brownish-red stripes characteristic of its adult form. 

While originally found in the Indo-Pacific region, P.volitans has become an invasive species in the Northwestern Atlantic and the Caribbean, possibly through introduction as released exotic pets.

Their pelagic larval phase (not shown here) has certainly helped their invasive cause. As tiny larvae, they ride the currents, allowing them to disperse and establish populations throughout their new ‘home’.  

As invaders, they have the potential to upset the balance of local reef ecosystems, affect fisheries production, and threaten human health (since, being members of the Scorpaenidae family, they are venomous). 

Image source: Discover Magazine

Reference:Morris et al. 2009.