Fin's Fish Guide
The Clearfin lionfish (Pterois russelii) is a brackish-water fish of the family Scorpaenidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
Russell's lionfish is a scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a red-brown body with white crossbars and long, fan-shaped pectoral fins; unlike related lionfishes it has an unspotted tail. It is a bottom dweller of muddy substrates, from sheltered shallow estuaries to quiet, deeper offshore reefs. As an ambush hunter it catches small fishes and crustaceans. The long dorsal fin spines are venomous and give an extremely painful puncture wound; they serve for defence.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Clearfin lionfish?
The Clearfin lionfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Fan-shaped pectoral fins and an unspotted tail; venomous dorsal fin spines for defence.
Where does the Clearfin lionfish live?
The Clearfin lionfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; muddy bottoms from estuaries to offshore reefs.
How big does the Clearfin lionfish get?
The Clearfin lionfish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Clearfin lionfish dangerous to humans?
The Clearfin lionfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The fin spines are venomous and give a painful, burning puncture wound. Immerse the wound for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) and seek medical care if pain or infection persists.
Is the Clearfin lionfish edible?
The Clearfin lionfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Clearfin lionfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Clearfin lionfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pterois
More from the family Scorpaenidae
Want the complete picture on the Clearfin lionfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Clearfin lionfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.