Lionfish Larva
Pterois volitans (larva)
A tiny planktonic larva drifts in warm ocean currents before settling onto reef habitat. It feeds on minute zooplankton with quick suction snaps and short bursts of swimming. Its transparent body helps it avoid predators in open water, where survival depends on remaining hard to see. This drifting stage is part of why the species can spread widely across suitable seas.
- Type
- Water
- Conservation status
- LC
Growth chain
- Lionfish Larva
- Lionfish Juvenile
- Lionfish