Where Does Lionfish Live?

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

Where to find Lionfish

Water type

saltwater

Depth

Typically found in shallow waters from 1 to 100 meters (3 to 330 feet), but have been observed deeper, up to 300 meters (1000 feet).

Environment

Coral reefs, rocky outcrops, artificial reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds. They prefer complex habitats with plenty of hiding places.

Geographic range

Native to the Indo-Pacific region, from Western Australia and Malaysia to French Polynesia, and from southern Japan to Lord Howe Island. Invasive in the Western Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico, ranging from the eastern coast of the United States down to Brazil.

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