Red Lionfishミノカサゴ

Pterois lunulataLC— Least Concern

The luna lionfish (Pterois lunulata), called minokasago in Japan, is a venomous scorpionfish found in the western Pacific from southern Japan and Korea south to Australia and New Caledonia, reaching up to about 35 cm. It hunts small fish, crustaceans, and other small animals at night, resting among reef crevices by day, and its dorsal spines carry venom potent enough to have caused human deaths. It is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Red Lionfish (reference photo)
Photo: Daiju Azuma / CC BY-SA 2.5 / Source / cropped

Species Data

Classification
Perciformes / Scorpaenidae Source
Distribution
Found in the western Pacific from southern Japan and Korea south to Australia and New Caledonia, occurring over rocky reefs and, at times, soft-bottom substrates at depths of 132-172 m. Source

Did You Know?

  • Its spines carry potent venom, with a reported LD50 of 1.1 mg/kg by intravenous injection, and human deaths have been recorded. Source
  • In parts of Hiroshima Prefecture it is called "nanuka-bashiri" (seven-day runner), reflecting the belief that its sting causes pain lasting seven days. Source
  • Despite its elegant swimming, it has an aggressive temperament that contrasts with its graceful appearance. Source

Where to See This Species

1 facilities · 0 individuals

むろと廃校水族館 (Murotohaikou Suizokukan)KochiOpened in 2018

むろと廃校水族館のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source

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Conservation Story

Conservation Status

IUCNレッドリストではLC。沿岸生息地の劣化が保全上の課題となる。

Habitat

西部太平洋の岩礁・サンゴ礁周辺。日本では北海道南部以南の沿岸にも見られる。

Threats

Conservation & Breeding Efforts

Sources

ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org

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FAQ

Is the lionfish's sting dangerous?
Yes; its spines carry potent venom (LD50 of 1.1 mg/kg by intravenous injection in test studies), and human deaths have been reported. Source
What does the lionfish eat?
It preys on small animals including mollusks, crustaceans, small fish, and marine worms. Source
Is the lionfish active during the day or night?
It is nocturnal, hiding among coral or rocky crevices during the day and hunting at night. Source

Source: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org