Pterois volitans can be found in lagoons, canals, and offshore and rocky coral reefs. It typically resides in shallow water, but it can be found as deep as 165 feet. Temperature tolerances range all the way from 60°F to 90°F! During the day, they tend to shelter under ledges and caves, or even harbors. Clownfish are often found in the exact same habitats as lionfish, but there isn’t any interaction between the two. In fact, the lionfish are considered loners, and do not interact with any other marine life, except for their prey of course. Occasionally they will swim with other fish, but they are not mutualistic, commensal, or parasitic. They basically just keep to themselves until prey comes by and their predator instincts come out.
To find out about the diet of the lionfish visit the Nutrition page.
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