Lionfish

Have you ever seen a lion underwater?  How about a fish on land?  Well, today we are heading to the coral reef of the Pacific Ocean to learn about the Lionfish.  Can you gather your imaginary snorkel and flippers?  Let’s jump on a speed boat and head on out!  

Critter At A Glance

What exactly is a lionfish?  A Lionfish is an incredible native to coral reefs in tropical waters. They have large fins like fans with sharp dangerous spines.  They contain venom and can be dangerous for people and other animals.  They are called lionfish because they have fins that fan out like a male lion’s mane.

What do they eat?  These fish eat a variety of different fish and small ocean species.  They corner their prey with their “mane.”

Do they lay eggs?  Mama fish can lay up to 2 MILLION eggs a year.  Now that is a lot of eggs!

Let’s check in and learn some more about these critters.  Lilli is one amazing lionfish!

Are you ready for an out of this world fact?  

Lionfish can live without food for up to 3 months and only lose a little bit of their weight.  Phew, I’m glad I don’t have to go that long without food! Just thinking about a single day sounds hard enough! 

Critter Protectors we need you!  It's time to create and it's time to move!

MOVE Let's play a game of “Go Fish” with a twist.  For this activity you’ll need the game Go Fish.  You’ll play the game like the directions normally say, BUT the twist is that once you’re down to your last card you shout LIONFISH.  If you forget, your opponent can shout LIONFISH and you’ll have to pick up another card from the ocean pile.  

CREATE Today’s project is going to need some beautiful colors, glitter, gems, or paint.  Print off the PDF below and turn on your artistic mind.  Let’s see those beautiful fish!

Share your ART, I can’t wait to see! #heymrjim

Click to the picture download!

Wagner, Written by Kit Van. “Caribbean Lionfish Predicament: Living Oceans Global Reef Expedition.” Living Oceans Foundation, 1 June 2018, https://www.livingoceansfoundation.org/the-lionfish-predicament/#:~:text=They%20eat%20loose%20skin%2C%20parasites,a%20good%20opportunity%20to%20strike. 

<a href='https://pngtree.com/so/Abstract'>Abstract png from pngtree.com/</a>