Common Lionfish
Pterois miles
Sighting evidence at Octopus Rock, Musandam Peninsula
Photo: Luis P. B. · CC BY-NC
The miles lionfish — the Arabian Sea's native species — hovers beneath overhangs in groups of 3 to 8 individuals, fanning their ornate pectoral fins to herd small fish into crevice traps. Unlike invasive lionfish populations elsewhere, these are ecologically integrated predators held in check by larger grouper and moray. Their spectacular appearance against the soft coral backdrop makes them a photographic focal point of every Octopus Rock dive.
Evidence at this site
No confirmed records on file at this site
Common Lionfish is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.