Description

The Radiata Lionfish, also known as Radial Firefish, Clearfin Lionfish, or Tailbar Lionfish (Pterois Radiata), is a carnivorous, ray-finned fish with venomous spines that lives in the Indian and western Pacific Oceans. This is the only Lionfish species which has spines without any markings. It can also be recognized by the pair of horizontal white stripes on its caudal peduncle.

Radiata Lionfish or Radial Firefish grow to a length of about 9″ inches, though a more usual size is 8″ inches. The dorsal fin has 12 or 13 long, venomous spines and 10 to 12 soft rays. The anal fin has three spines and five or six soft rays. The large pectoral fins flare out to the side and are clear and unbanded. The other fins are also colorless. The head and body color is reddish-brown with about six vertical dark bands of different color on the body separated by thin white lines. Two white horizontal lines occur on the caudal peduncle which distinguishes this fish from other similar Lionfishes.