Common Lionfish

Pterois miles, commonly known as the devil firefish or common lionfish, is a ray-finned fish species native to the western Indo-Pacific region. It is often mistaken for its close relative, the red lionfish (Pterois volitans). The scientific name is derived from the Greek word "pteron," meaning "wing," and the Latin word "miles," meaning "soldier."

This species, initially described as Scorpaena miles in 1828 by British naturalist John Whitchurch Bennett, was first found along the south coast of 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka. A molecular study conducted on Pterois miles, red lionfish, luna lionfish, and Russell's lionfish revealed that the common lionfishes in the western 🌊 Indian Ocean formed one lineage. Another lineage consisted of both the luna lionfish and Russell's lionfish, suggesting that these two taxa are conspecific. The third lineage comprised the reef firefish, which appeared to have genetic contributions from the other two lineages. This implies that the red lionfish arose from hybrids between Pterois miles and Pterois russelii sensu lato.

The specific name "miles," meaning "soldier" in Latin, was bestowed by Bennett without further explanation. It is possible that the red color of the fish reminded him of the red tunics worn by British soldiers in the 19th century.

The common lionfish can grow up to 35 cm (14 in) in length. It possesses 13 long and robust spines in its dorsal fin, accompanied by 9-11 soft rays. The anal fin, on the other hand, boasts three long spines and six or seven soft rays. The dorsal fin has a feathery appearance, and the pectoral fins resemble wings with separate broad, smooth rays. These fish display varying colors ranging from reddish to tan or grey, and they exhibit numerous thin, dark, vertical bars on their heads and bodies. Compared to Pterois volitans, the common lionfish has a less angular head.

Primarily active at night, the common lionfish seeks refuge in crevices during the daytime. Its diet consists of fish and small crustaceans. Due to its venomous spines, it faces few natural predators, although larger lionfish do prey on smaller ones. Moray eels have shown resilience to the spines, and there have been reports of lionfish becoming part of their diet. The bluespotted cornetfish (Fistularia commersonii) has also been observed feeding on these fish, as have groupers in the 🇧🇸 Bahamas.

Pterois miles is indigenous to the 🌊 Indian Ocean, specifically ranging from the 🌊 Red Sea to 🇿🇦 South Africa and 🇮🇩 Indonesia. While its first record in the Mediterranean Sea near 🇮🇱 Israel dates back to 1991, subsequent to its entry via the Suez Canal (🇪🇬 Egypt), it has now become prevalent in the eastern Basin, with recent sightings in the Sicily channel. It has also established a presence off the east coast of the 🇺🇸 United States and in the 🌊 Caribbean Sea, where it is considered an invasive species. Pterois miles closely resembles Pterois volitans in appearance, but the latter is not found in the 🌊 Red Sea. Typically, Pterois miles inhabits areas with crevices or lagoons, often on the outer slopes of coral reefs. Moray eels have recently been identified as natural predators of Pterois miles in its native habitat in the 🌊 Red Sea, and some grouper species and reef sharks also prey on it.

The fin spines of Pterois miles are highly venomous and have caused human fatalities in some reported cases. However, stings from this species are rarely lethal to humans. Nevertheless, a sting can result in severe pain, vomiting, convulsions, minor paralysis, and breathing difficulties. It is imperative for anyone stung, even healthy adults, to seek immediate emergency medical attention as individuals vary in their sensitivity to the venom and the severity of their symptoms and reactions.