Kingdom Animalia Family Scorpaenidae Phylum Chordata Rank Species | Class Actinopterygii Subfamily Pteroinae Genus Lionfish Order Scorpaeniformes | |
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Similar Lionfish, Pterois mombasae, Dendrochirus barberi, Pterois russelli, Clearfin lionfish | ||
Pterois sphex, the Hawaiian lionfish or Hawaiian turkeyfish, is a scorpaenid fish found in the eastern Central Pacific, specifically in marine waters off of Hawaii. It is found in seaward reefs and lagoons at depths from 3 – 122 m.
Contents
Description
This fish has 13 dorsal spines and about 50–55 vertical scale rows (ctenoid scales). It reaches a maximum length of 22 cm.
Behavior and diet
The Hawaiian turkeyfish is a nocturnal feeder, preying on crustaceans. It hides in caves during the day.
References
Pterois sphex Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA