Saltwater
Lionfish
Pterois miles
Hebrew name: זהרון
- Peak season
- Year-round, most active in summer and autumn (June-November)
- Length range
- 15–30 cm
- Weight range
- 0.2–0.8 kg
- Typical depth
- 1–60 m
Habitat
Native to the Red Sea and Indian Ocean; it entered the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal and spread fast along Israel, Lebanon, Cyprus, Turkey and Greece. Rocky reefs, wrecks, caves and harbours from about 1 to 60 m.
Behavior
VENOMOUS SPINES: the dorsal, pelvic and anal spines inject a very painful venom - handle with thick gloves or a net, and treat a sting with hot water and medical help. A voracious ambush predator of small fish and shrimp. The fillets are safe and good to eat once the spines are removed, and catching it helps native fish.
Best techniques
- Small soft plastics or micro jigs worked slowly near rocks
- Shrimp or small fish on light bottom rigs
- Spearfishing (where allowed) in culling events
- Dusk and dawn fishing around wrecks and harbour walls
