Our February Fish of the Month is the Hawaiian (Green) Lionfish, Dendrochirus barberi!
Survey Regions: Hawaiian Lionfish are endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, meaning this is the only place in the world they are found! Click here to view the REEF database report for this species in the HAW survey region.
Size: They grow to a maximum length of 6.5 inches.
Identifying Features: Hawaiian (Green) Lionfish have greenish or reddish brown bodies and red eyes. They are relatively drab in color, and their fan-like pectoral fins lack extended spines like that of the Hawaiian Red Lionfish.
Fun Facts: During the day, Hawaiian (Green) Lionfish like to rest between branches of antler coral. At night, they hunt in the open for crustaceans and fish. Like other lionfish species, they have venomous spines.
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for our next Fish of the Month.
Photos by Jim Spears.