Lionfish Evolution

[Travis L. Stevens]

It looks like P. volitans has been busy lately. In the past 40 years in the Red Sea, Volitan Lionfish have changed drastically. Here is an article that details it. Truly amazing. http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/item.php?news=922

Normal Pterois volitans

Red Sea Pterois volitans

 

[Dtking]

thats crazy!!

 

[Z@ck]

only forty years?!?

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

According to some researchers, fish species that span broad ranges often change morphology in different areas. Something from the far north might look quite different then something from the far south. But now they are saying there might be a difference in species between all these different Volitan Lionfish. If that's the case, there will be a Red Sea Volitan Lionfish, a Black Volitan Lionfish, and a Red Volitan Lionfish at least.

I would love to see a side shot of the Red Sea one. The face is so drastically different with colorations and markings, I wonder how different the body and fins are.

 

[DizziDezi2]

very cool! I have been calling around looking for a dwarf blue or green or red lionfish. Everyone has told me i'm crazy and that they dont come in those colors......

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

Sure, there are a few, albeit rare, color variations. Here is a Yellow Dwarf Fuzzy Lionfish