Spotfin Lionfish

Spotfin lionfish in Caribbean waters
(Chuck Savall)

The spotfin lionfish (Pterois antennata), with venomous spines extended, is native to Indo-Pacific reefs. Certain lionfish species have invaded reefs in Florida, the Caribbean and are moving up the Atlantic coast. The native Pacific fish probably escaped from an aquarium. Lionfish are aggressive predators and threaten local species. They are also referred to as turkeyfish because depending on how you view the lionfish it can look like the plumage of a turkey. See more bizarre and beautiful coral reef animals.