Red Lionfish and Similar Species
Pterois volitans
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Open the appSeveral fish can be confused with Red Lionfish. Here are the key differences.
Species often confused with {name}
Devil Firefish
Pterois miles
Key differences: Pterois miles is very similar to P. volitans and was historically considered the same species. P. miles typically has 10-11 dorsal soft rays and 6-7 anal soft rays, while P. volitans usually has 11 soft dorsal rays and 7 soft anal rays. P. miles also tends to have fewer pectoral fin rays (13-15 vs. 14-17 in P. volitans) and often has a more reddish hue with fewer, broader bands. In the Atlantic, both species are present, but P. volitans is more prevalent.
Shortfin Lionfish
Dendrochirus brachypterus
Key differences: The Shortfin Lionfish (Dendrochirus spp.) are generally smaller and have much shorter, more rounded pectoral fins that are not as elongated or fan-like as those of Pterois volitans. Their fin rays are often connected by a membrane, unlike the largely free rays of P. volitans.
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