Species
Red Lionfish
Pterois volitans
Also known as firefish · butterfly cod
Tier 5Eating8/10light tackleNSWQLDWANT
0 waypoints25–35 cm (max 45 cm) typical
Overview: about red lionfish
Striking striped reef predator of northern Australian coral reef, native and not invasive here. Spectacular but extremely venomous — never handle barehanded. Occasionally caught on small baits.
Biology: Red Lionfish size, diet & habitat
- Habitat
- Reef
- Typical size
- 25–35 cm (max 45 cm)
- Weight
- 0.4–1.5 kg
- Depth range
- 0–50 m
- Diet
- small fish, crustaceans
- Global range
- Indo-Pacific (native AU)
How to target: Red Lionfish angling strategies
Generally fished with light tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.
- incidental on small bait
Safety & handling
In the same waters
- severely venomous fin spines
Recent community catches: anglers who caught red lionfish
No red lionfish catches logged yet. Log one and you'll be recognised here.
More information: red lionfish references & sources
Saved.