Common Lionfish and Similar Species
Pterois miles
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Open the appSeveral fish can be confused with Common Lionfish. Here are the key differences.
Species often confused with {name}
Red Lionfish
Pterois volitans
Key differences: Pterois volitans typically has more soft rays in the dorsal fin (10-11 vs. 9-10 for P. miles) and anal fin (7 vs. 6 for P. miles). P. volitans also tends to have more prominent spots or ocelli on the soft dorsal, anal, and caudal fins, and often has more developed supraorbital tentacles. In the invasive range, P. volitans is more common, but P. miles is also present, and hybridization occurs.
Clearfin Lionfish
Pterois radiata
Key differences: Pterois radiata has unbanded pectoral fins, which are clear or translucent, lacking the distinct banding seen in P. miles. It also typically has fewer dorsal soft rays (9-10) and anal soft rays (6-7) and lacks supraorbital tentacles.
Spotfin Lionfish
Pterois antennata
Key differences: Pterois antennata has distinct dark spots on its pectoral fins and very long, branched supraorbital tentacles, which are typically shorter and unbranched in P. miles.
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