Lionfish ID?

[partypalooza5]

I've seen this picture a few times on the web, I can't tell if its real or it's just a modded photo.

Any idea?

I'd say its quite beautiful.

 

[blackomen]

I have no idea... but it's a beautiful picture for sure.

 

[SHARPiE]

I MUST HAVE ONE

VERY keen to know if this is legit, what breed it is, their reigon and where to get them from!

Where's all the Lion experts?

 

[partypalooza5]

Is it possibly a juvenile? Or maybe an albino or something?

 

[DivingKent]

Anyone ever figure out what this is? It's definitely not a hoax, I saw an identical one on a dive in Bali and I'm desperately trying to ID it. Must be a juvenile, the one I saw was only about 2 inches long.

 

[mr_X]

it's a baby volitan.
Feature Article: Atlantic Lionfish??? | Advanced Aquarist's Online Magazine

 

[DivingKent]

Wow, having followed up that link I wonder how I managed not to stumble across any of those sites! Thanks.

 

[austinsdad]

Just reminds me of recent documentaries I've seen about the lionfish off the Atlantic coast and how they are creating havoc. All likley from a few old pets folks dumped in the water. Saw "Oceans Blue" on TV just last night.

But yes, that picture is beautiful.

 

[DivingKent]

Yeah I was working in the Bay Islands in Honduras for a while and we were busy catching them left, right and center. A shame really, as they are by far the prettiest thing there!

 

[austinsdad]

They have no natural predators. The sharks won't even mess with them.

 

[mr_X]

actually, groupers eat them. they just gotta be taught they are food!
YouTube - Teaching grouper to eat lionfish.AVI