lionfish

American  

[lahy-uhn-fish] / ˈlaɪ ənˌfɪʃ /

noun

lionfishes plural

1. a brightly striped scorpionfish of the genus Pterois, especially P. volitans, of the Indo-Pacific region, having long, flamboyant, venomous spiny fins.

2. an Atlantic scorpionfish, Scorpaena grandicornis.

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lionfish British  

/ ˈlaɪənˌfɪʃ /

noun

1. any of various scorpion fishes of the tropical Pacific genus Pterois, having a striped body and elongated spiny fins

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Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• lionfishes
  plural
• lionfish
  plural

Etymology

Origin of lionfish

First recorded in 1905–10; lion + fish

Compare meaning

How does lionfish compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• scorpionfish vs. lionfish

Example Sentences

Higher temperatures in the Adriatic Sea are encouraging invasive species such as the poisonous lionfish, while also causing further stress on alpine glaciers that are already shrinking at record rates.

From BBC • Jun. 30, 2025

Genetic testing suggests the entire Atlantic population is descended from 10 lionfish that were released in South Florida.

From National Geographic • Jan. 29, 2024

Once confined to Indo-Pacific waters, lionfish first appeared in the Atlantic in the mid-eighties.

From National Geographic • Jan. 29, 2024

In addition to the flavors and presentation of the dish itself, participating restaurants were judged on their staff's knowledge of the environmental issues caused by lionfish and whether or not they promoted the special.

From Salon • Aug. 14, 2023

"In many cases, restaurants are scared to pay the divers a premium for the lionfish because they may not sell," Alex said.

From Salon • Aug. 14, 2023