(Pterois volitans)
Pterois volitans, or lionfish, is native to the Indo-Pacific region. Lionfish are easily recognized by their bold brown or maroon-and-white stripes, long separated dorsal spines, and fan-like pectoral fins, reaching up to 17 inches in length. Their venomous spines deliver painful stings and serve as a warning to predators. In invaded areas, lionfish have few natural predators because grouper populations have been overfished, allowing lionfish to reproduce with little natural control.