Ecology of Pterois volitans
 
Main Ref. Sano, M., M. Shimizu and Y. Nose, 1984
Remarks Inhabits lagoon and seaward reefs from turbid inshore areas to depths of 50 m. Hides in unexposed places at daytime often with head down and practically immobile. Pelagic juveniles expatriate over great distances and the reason for their broad geographical range (Ref. 48635). Hunts small fishes, shrimps, and crabs at night, using its widespread pectorals trapping prey into a corner, stunning it and then swallowing it in one sweep. Daylight hours are spent resting under ledges, in caves or among wreckage, either singly or in aggregations (Ref. 54301). Dorsal spines are venomous; the sting can be treated by heating the afflicted part and application of corticoids (Ref. 5503).

Aquatic zones / Water bodies

Marine - Neritic Marine - Oceanic Brackishwater Freshwater
Marine zones / Brackish and freshwater bodies
  • supra-littoral zone
  • littoral zone
  • sublittoral zone
  • epipelagic
  • mesopelagic
  • epipelagic
  • abyssopelagic
  • hadopelagic
  • estuaries/lagoons/brackish seas
  • mangroves
  • marshes/swamps
  • rivers/streams
  • lakes/ponds
  • caves
  • exclusively in caves
Highighted items on the list are where Pterois volitans may be found.

Habitat

Substrate Benthic; : sand; Hard Bottom;
Substrate Ref. Côté, I.M. and N.S. Smith, 2018
Special habitats Beds: algae/seaweed; sea grass; Coral Reefs: lagoons;
Special habitats Ref. Nguyen, N.T. and V.Q. Nguyen, 2006

Associations

Ref.
Associations
Associated with
Association remarks
Parasitism

Feeding

Feeding type mainly animals (troph. 2.8 and up)
Feeding type Ref. Sano, M., M. Shimizu and Y. Nose, 1984
Feeding habit hunting macrofauna (predator)
Feeding habit Ref. Sano, M., M. Shimizu and Y. Nose, 1984
Trophic Level(s)
Estimation method Original sample Unfished population Remark
Troph s.e. Troph s.e.
From diet composition 4.35 0.36 4.45 0.79 Troph of juv./adults from 1 study.
From individual food items 3.44 0.51 Trophic level estimated from a number of food items using a randomized resampling routine.
Ref. Sano, M., M. Shimizu and Y. Nose, 1984
(e.g. 346)
(e.g. cnidaria)
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