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Lionfish
Pterois volitans

A beautifully patterned lionfish descends a coral reef wall in the Red Sea, its venomous spines in full display.

Hurghada, Egypt

 
Sea Facts:

The plumed fins of lionfish contain hollow spines that can inject a powerful venom. The bold striations are examples of conspicuous display: an obvious warning pattern to the unwary.

Lionfish are members of the scorpion fish family, all of which are venomous. While lionfish "flaunt" their beauty, other scorpion fish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in the sand waiting for an unwary victim to swim by.

See comparison: scorpionfish

 

Lionfish

 
         
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