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Range: Indo-Pacific,
with introductions into western Atlantic waters via aquarium
release. Temperature has been found to limit the northern
range of P. volitans off the coast of the United States. The
southern limit extends to the coast of southern Florida.
Further distribution south has not occurred naturally
suggesting human-induced introduction as a necessary factor.
Similar Species: P. miles
is often mistaken for P. volitans, but can be distinguished
by the size and number of dorsal and anal fins and the size
of the dorsal fin spots.
Identification: Bold red
and white banding pattern, long dorsal spines and fleshy
tabs above and below the mouth help identify this exotic
fish. The Black Volitans Lionfish generally varies in shades
of brown and reddish brown, but rarely as dark as black
despite its name. Warning: Extremely venomous.
Note: P. Volitans is
highly invasive. Within a period of ten years of its
introduction off the U.S. coast the species has dispersed
throughout its thermally habitable range. If you have
information pertinent to wild Lionfish please contact Paula
Whitfield at
paula.whitfield@noaa.gov
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