Lionfish

Photo: 808_Diver · CC BY-NC

Common lionfish are found in virtually every crevice and overhang on East Wall, typically hovering head-down in the shelter of the rock with their venomous dorsal spines fanned in a warning posture. At Netrani they reach impressive densities — a single drift along the wall will typically reveal 15 to 20 individuals — and their patterned red, white, and black banding makes them one of the most visually striking wall residents. They hunt predominantly at dusk and dawn when small reef fish are transitioning between their day and night habitats, but remain stationary and approachable throughout the day.