Lionfish, or pterois, is a genus of venomous fish with striking warning coloration, red, white and black bands, showy pectoral fins, and venomous spiky fin rays. They prey mostly on small fish, invertebrates, and mollusks in large amounts. Their toxin on humans causes extreme pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, breathing difficulties, convulsions, dizziness, headaches, numbness, pins and needles, heartburn, diarrhea, and sweating. Rare cases include temporary paralysis, heart failure, and death. There are nine species of lionfish. They are native to the Indo-Pacific but have established themselves as a significant invasive species off the East Coast of the United States and the Caribbean. They’re 2-17.7 inches in length and live from 5-15 years.