Imagine a predator on the loose. A bold creature; a voracious eater. With a mantle of venomous spines, prey to no-one else. Imagine a lion on the loose: a Lion of the Deep.

LIONS OF THE DEEP

‘Lionfish’. ‘Scorpion Volitans’. ‘Firefish’.

Even its name reveals the fiery character of the Indo-Pacific red lionfish, scientifically know as Pterois volitans/miles. With bold maroon and white zebra stripes, and a plume of feathery spines, the lionfish is a stunning specimen. Elegant. Graceful. Deadly to its prey.

The red lionfish’s profuse dorsal, anal and pelvic spines deliver a venomous sting that is fatal to potential predators; painful and dangerous to humans.

Native to the tropical Indo-Pacific region, red lionfish have been introduced to the Atlantic Ocean within the past several years, and gained a foothold in the coral and rocky reefs along the Gulf Stream.

Without any natural predators in these waters, the lionfish are thriving – putting indigenous marine species at risk, as well as recreational and commercial divers and anglers who come in contact with the fish.

ECOTONO, INC.  joins forces with, PRXtreme, Corp and the Puerto Rico DNER to explore the invasive lionfish – its expanding grip on the Coastal Caribbean, behavior, and impact.


With funding provided by Recreational Divers and other organizations, is helping with information to warn medical responders; aquarium hobbyists; waters sport industry; Fisherman's and SCUBA divers about the dangers of Indo-Pacific lionfish.