Lionfish (Devil Firefish)
Pterois miles
FR Poisson-lion · ES Pez león · PT Peixe-leão · IT Pesce leone · DE Indischer Rotfeuerfisch
Also known as: Pez leónPoisson-lionIndischer RotfeuerfischPesce leonePeixe-leão
Reef/KelpShoreBoat
Score
—
Prime time
Dawn and dusk, warm months
Depth
0–85m
Platform
Shore & boat
Depth range
0–85mDeep
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Rocky shoreWreck reef
Recommended baits
Fish baitsPrawns
Effective techniques
Bottom Fishing
Best times
DawnDusk
Field notes
Where to find them
Eastern Mediterranean: Aegean, Turkish coast, Cyprus, Levant, Egypt
Where they hang out
Rocky ground, reefs and wrecks, 2-50 m
Prime time
Dawn and dusk, warm months
Tide game
Low
What they're into
Small fish and prawns on a bottom rig, it ambushes small fish and crustaceans
Temperature vibe
Slows and feeds little below about 15 C, best in warm water
Fave weather
Calm and clear is best
Dinner material?
8/10Solid dinner choice
Play by the rules
Venomous dorsal, anal and pelvic spines. Never handle it bare-handed, even a dead fish. Use pliers and thick gloves, or cut the line if unsure. A sting is very painful: put the area in water as hot as can be tolerated and get medical help. Check local rules before keeping or releasing itNational fisheries authority. Check local rules
Looking after them
Check local guidance for conservation status.