About Pterois radiata Cuvier, 1829
The clearfin lionfish, Pterois radiata Cuvier, 1829, reaches a maximum length of around 24 cm (9 in), with a more typical adult size of 20 cm (8 in). Its dorsal fin contains 12 or 13 long, venomous spines plus 10 to 12 soft rays, while its anal fin has three spines and five or six soft rays. Its large pectoral fins flare outwards to the sides, and are clear and unbanded; all other fins of this species are also colourless. The head and body are reddish-brown, with approximately six vertical dark bands of varying colour on the body, separated by thin white lines. Two white horizontal lines are present on the caudal peduncle; this marking distinguishes the clearfin lionfish from other similar lionfish species.
Clearfin lionfish are native to the western Indo-Pacific region. Their distribution ranges from South Africa and the Gulf of Aden to Indonesia, the Society Islands, the Ryukyu Islands, northern Australia, and New Caledonia. They occur on both inshore and offshore rocky reefs, found at depths down to about 25 m (82 ft). Juvenile clearfin lionfish are sometimes found in tide pools.
