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Common lionfish (Pterois miles) at Shaab El Erg reef in the Egyptian Red Sea

Devil firefish

Venomous Indo-Pacific reef fish with feathery fins

Photo: Alexander Vasenin, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The devil firefish is a venomous ray-finned species native to the western Indo-Pacific. It has spread invasively to the Mediterranean and Atlantic, posing risks to local ecosystems and human safety through its toxic spines.

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  • Grows up to 35 cm in length
  • Venomous spines cause severe pain
  • Invasive in Mediterranean and Caribbean
  • Moray eels prey on it in Red Sea
  • First described in 1828 by Bennett

What it is

This ray-finned fish features a distinctive appearance with feathery dorsal fins and wing-like pectoral fins. Its body displays colours ranging from reddish to tan or grey, marked by thin vertical dark bars. The head shape is less angular than that of its close relative. Adults reach lengths of up to 35 centimetres. The dorsal fin contains thirteen strong spines alongside soft rays, while the anal fin has three spines. These physical traits help it blend into reef environments while warning potential threats.

Where it lives

Native waters include the Indian Ocean, stretching from the Red Sea to South Africa and Indonesia. The species entered the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal, first recorded near Israel in 1991. It is now common in the eastern Mediterranean basin and the Sicily channel. Additionally, it has established populations along the eastern United States coast and throughout the Caribbean Sea, where it is considered an invasive presence.

How it lives

Active mainly at night, this fish hides in crevices during daylight hours. It hunts small crustaceans and other fish. Venomous spines deter most predators, though larger individuals may eat smaller ones. In its native Red Sea habitat, moray eels have developed resistance to the venom and prey on it. Bluespotted cornetfish and certain grouper species in the Bahamas also consume this lionfish. Reef sharks are among other natural predators in native ranges.

Devil firefish
A drawing made by EveryFish from what this page says. It is a diagram, not a picture of the real fish.

Fish and people

Human contact with the fin spines can be dangerous due to high venom potency. Stings cause extreme pain, vomiting, convulsions, and breathing difficulties. While rarely fatal, reactions vary in severity between individuals. Immediate medical attention is recommended for any sting victim. The species is not typically farmed or kept in home aquariums due to these hazards and its invasive status in many regions.

Status and threats

The fish is regarded as invasive in the Mediterranean and Atlantic regions. Its spread threatens local biodiversity by preying on native species. In its native Indo-Pacific range, it maintains a balanced role within the ecosystem. Conservation efforts in invaded areas focus on control rather than protection, given its negative impact on reef communities and commercial fisheries.

Pterois miles read sea Dahab
Pterois miles read sea Dahab. Photo: Alan Slater Photo2222, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
a nice lionfish floating away at -9m in the Cyclades
a nice lionfish floating away at -9m in the Cyclades. Photo: Paolo Gamba, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Common lionfish (Pterois miles) near Dunraven wreck, Egyptian Red Sea
Common lionfish (Pterois miles) near Dunraven wreck, Egyptian Red Sea. Photo: Alexander Vasenin, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Common lionfish (Pterois miles) hunting glassfish at El Mina wreck (near Hughada, Egypt)
Common lionfish (Pterois miles) hunting glassfish at El Mina wreck (near Hughada, Egypt). Photo: Alexander Vasenin, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Questions people ask about Devil firefish

Is the devil firefish dangerous to humans?

Yes, its fin spines are highly venomous. Stings cause extreme pain, vomiting, and breathing difficulties. While rarely fatal, immediate medical attention is strongly recommended due to varying sensitivity among individuals.

Where is this fish originally from?

It is native to the western Indo-Pacific region. Its range includes the Indian Ocean, from the Red Sea down to South Africa and across to Indonesia.

What eats the devil firefish?

In its native Red Sea habitat, moray eels prey on it. Bluespotted cornetfish and groupers also feed on it in some areas. Larger lionfish may eat smaller ones.

Good reading and sources

Where this page comes from

The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Pterois miles", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryFish rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.

It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.

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Photo credits on this page

The small pictures above come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences. Some are cropped to fit.

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