Where Does Common Lionfish Live?

Common Lionfish lives in specific habitats. Knowing where to look helps you find and identify it.

Where to find Common Lionfish

Water type

saltwater

Depth

Typically found from shallow coral reefs (1 meter) down to depths of at least 300 meters (984 feet), though most common in shallower waters (up to 60 meters).

Environment

Coral reefs, rocky outcrops, artificial reefs, wrecks, mangroves, and seagrass beds. Prefers areas with complex structures for hunting and hiding.

Geographic range

Native to the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa across to Indonesia, Australia, and the South Pacific. Invasive in the Western Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico, ranging from Florida to Brazil.

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