DEVIL FIREFISH
Order: ScorpaeniformesFamily: ScorpaenidaeGenus: PteroisSpecies:miles Pterois miles:
Devil firefish are similar to the red lionfish with the exception that they are primarily found in the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea, as opposed to the lionfish which are predominantly a Pacific species. However, their range extends to Sumatra where the two species co-occur. Although they appear very similar to the lionfish, the devil firefish have fewer dorsal- and anal-fin rays. The devil firefish generally have 10 dorsal-fin rays and 6 anal-fin rays; red lionfish usually have 11 dorsal-fin rays and 7 anal-fin rays.
The face of the devil firefish is less angular than the red lionfish. Their have a total of 13 dorsal spines with 9-10 dorsal soft rays. They have 3 anal spines, with 6-7 anal soft rays. They are reddish to tan or grey in color, with numerous thin dark bars on their body and head; devil firefish have a tentacle above eye may be faintly banded. Adults have a band of small spines along the cheek and small spots in the median fins.
PTEROIS MILES
WANTED
Lionfish
Dead or Sautéed in Butter!
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Studies of the Pterois miles (devil firefish) may provide us with some indication as to the natural history of Pterois volitans (red lionfish). In the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea, the piscivorous cornetfish (Fistularia commersoni) appears to be a predator of the devil firefish. A published note concludes that cornetfish in the Red Sea may utilize their ambush tactics to seize lionfish safely from the rear, consuming them tail first.
