Scientific Name
Pterois lunulata

Common Name
Luna lion fish

Biology
Has 13 pectoral rays and maybe confused with P. russellii. Median fish are almost clear, but become spotted in large adults. It is best identified by the pale-centered scales on the principal dark bands on the body forming a net-like pattern and V-like markings across the pectoral fin rays (Ref. 48635).

Classification

Classified By

Temminck & Schlegel, 1843

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Scorpionfishes and Flatheads (Scorpaeniformes)

Family

Scorpionfishes or rockfishes (Scorpaenidae)

Distribution

Region

Indo-Pacific

Distribution

Indo-Pacific: Mauritius (Ref. 5503) then from southern Japan southwards.

Range

Unknown

Environment

Climate

Tropical

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

reef-associated

Environment

Marine; reef-associated

Trophic Level

3.67 s.e. 0.55 Based on food items.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

True

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

False

Occurs on Reefs

True

Is kept in Aquariums

True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

35.0 cm

Common Length

25.0 cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5010 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Aquarium: public aquariums

Vulnerability

Moderate to high vulnerability (53 of 100)

Resilience

Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Threat To Humans

Venomous (Ref. 559)

IUCN Red List Status

Least Concern (LC)