Come identificare Lionfish

Per identificare Lionfish (Pterois volitans), osserva queste caratteristiche chiave.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo

compressed

Colorazione

Distinctive reddish-brown to maroon and white vertical stripes covering the head and body. The fins are often mottled with darker spots.

Tipo di squame

ctenoid

Posizione della bocca

terminal

Caratteristiche distintive

13 long, venomous dorsal spines, 10-11 dorsal soft rays, 3 anal spines, 6-7 anal soft rays, Large, fan-like pectoral fins with elongated, separate rays, Fleshy tentacles above the eyes and below the mouth, Maximum recorded length up to 45 cm (17.7 inches), though typically 30-38 cm (12-15 inches), Weight up to 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs)

Pinna dorsale

Composed of 13 long, sharp, venomous spines followed by 10-11 soft rays. The spiny dorsal fin is distinctly separated from the soft-rayed portion.

Pinna caudale

Rounded caudal fin, often with dark spots.

Pinna pettorale

Large, fan-like, and highly elaborate, with individual rays extending far beyond the fin membrane. These fins are used for herding prey.

Pinne distintive

The elongated, feather-like pectoral fins and the prominent, venomous dorsal spines are the most distinctive features.

Consigli per l'identificazione

1. 1

   Coloration and Pattern

   Look for the distinctive alternating reddish-brown/maroon and white vertical stripes across the body and head.

2. 2

   Fin Structure

   Observe the large, fan-like pectoral fins with individual, elongated rays and the prominent, separated dorsal spines.

3. 3

   Tentacles

   Note the fleshy supraorbital tentacles above the eyes and sometimes below the mouth.

4. 4

   Size

   Adults typically range from 30-38 cm (12-15 inches) in length.

Esplora Lionfish