Hawaii Biological Survey's


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22. Lionfish / nohu pinao

Scientific name: Pterois sphex

Classification: Phylum: Chordata. Class: Pisces. Family: Scorpaenidae


Origin: Native

Status: Normal populations

Distribution: All the main islands

Sound file: --

Map: --


Don’t get too close to this fish! Its long white spines are extremely venomous and can cause great pain if touched. These fish, related to the deadly stonefish, are shy and uncommon, hiding in caves or crevices during the day and coming out only at night to feed on small fish or crustaceans.

   Photo by Jack Randall