Lionfish

Pterois volitans, Pterois miles

"Worst Choice" Pet Worst Choice

Lionfish are attractive, exotic-looking reef fish native to the Indo-Pacific Ocean. Reaching 12–15 inches in length, they feature long, feathery-looking fin rays and a dramatic reddish-brown and white banding pattern. The fin rays are spiny and venomous; this feature, along with their aggressive nature, make Lionfish challenging pets. Nonetheless, Lionfish are very popular in the aquarium trade and frequently imported to the U.S. Unfortunately, they have been accidentally introduced to coastal Atlantic waters and the Caribbean where they are causing significant damage to tropical and sub-tropical reef ecosystems.

Did You Know?

Lionfish can survive for long periods without eating, then gorge themselves when food is available.

Source Sustainability Unable to Rank Choice

Does the harvest for wildlife trade or captive breeding of this species harm wild populations?

Unable to Rank

No information is available about the status of Lionfish populations in their native habitat; however they are not known to breed in captivity.

PetWatch Recommendation:

PetWatch has classified the Lionfish as a Worst Choice pet. It is not a recommended pet.

Invasion Threat Worst Choice

Does the release or escape of this species into the wild harm the environment and/or economy?

Significant Cause for Concern

Lionfish were introduced to the waters of coastal Florida in 1992, probably from a large home aquarium that was destroyed in a hurricane. Since this time, they have spread and as of 2009 there are large, well-established, and rapidly growing populations of Lionfish from the Caribbean, up through Florida to North Carolina. Reproducing populations of Lionfish are also present in Bermuda and the Bahamas.

Lionfish are a serious threat to southeastern U.S. and Caribbean reef ecosystems. They are aggressive predators on reef fish and crustaceans and are causing declines in native populations of these prey. Lionfish are venomous and have no known predators in their introduced range. In fact, they may be lethal to larger predators that mistake them for native prey. In addition, divers and snorkelers in these areas may be harmed by Lionfish stings.

PetWatch Recommendation:

PetWatch has classified the Lionfish as a Worst Choice pet. It is not a recommended pet.

Animal Welfare Best Choice

Does harvest, captive breeding, transport, or being kept as a pet harm individual animals?

Little Cause for Concern

Lionfish are relatively easy to keep in captivity, but their aquarium water must be maintained above 60°F or they will stop eating and die. However, they make challenging pets as they are aggressive and have venomous spines on all of their fins.

Interestingly, Lionfish can survive for long periods without eating, then gorge themselves when food is available; when necessary, their stomachs can expand over 30 times in volume.

PetWatch Recommendation:

PetWatch has classified the Lionfish as a Worst Choice pet. It is not a recommended pet.

Health Threat Fair Choice

Does this animal pose a health risk to native wildlife, humans, livestock and agriculture?

Some Cause for Concern

Lionfish are venomous and dangerous to humans. Venom from their spines is injected into the skin; this often occurs while handlers are feeding fish or cleaning the tank, and fish can sting even after they are dead. Spine punctures are known to be excruciatingly painful, and are treated by immersing the affected body part in very hot water for 30–90 minutes. Although the venom can be fatal to small animals, there are no accounts of life-threatening or permanent damage to human victims.

PetWatch Recommendation:

PetWatch has classified the Lionfish as a Worst Choice pet. It is not a recommended pet.

EcoHealth Alliance works at the intersection of ecosystem, animal and human health through local conservation programs and develops global health solutions to emerging diseases.
More about EcoHealth Alliance