Pterois sphex

Pterois sphex, the Hawaiian turkeyfish or Hawaiian lionfish is a scorpaenid fish[3] 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.[2]

Pterois sphex
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Scorpaeniformes
Family: Scorpaenidae
Genus: Pterois
Species:
P. sphex
Binomial name
Pterois sphex

Description

This fish has 13 dorsal spines and about 50–55 vertical scale rows (ctenoid scales).[2] 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.[4]

References

  1. Motomura, H. & Matsuura, K. 2016. Pterois sphex . The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T69800019A69801037. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T69800019A69801037.en. Downloaded on 14 December 2019.
  2. Fishbase.org
  3. Lionfishhunters.org
  4. Eol.org
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