Reef fish

Lionfish

Pterois volitans

IUCN status: Least concern

A venomous-spined reef fish, native here in the Indo-Pacific (unlike its invasive status in the Atlantic). Common on and inside the Truk wrecks, hovering in the shade of the superstructure.

Max size
Up to about 38cm
Habitat
Native Indo-Pacific reef and wreck dweller; shelters in wreckage, holds and overhangs.

Best places to dive with Lionfish

rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak season
Coron, Palawan
Sighting likelihood by month
MonthLikelihood
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Lionfish are on essentially every Coron wreck, sheltering in the structure and holds; scorpionfish share the same spots. Reliable year-round.

Moalboal
Sighting likelihood by month
MonthLikelihood
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Common on the walls and house reefs, sometimes in loose schools around the Cathedral at Pescador.

Truk Lagoon
Sighting likelihood by month
MonthLikelihood
Januarycommonly seen
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Frequently seen tucked into wreckage. Native to this region, so a normal resident rather than a pest.

Sources & last checked

Checked July 2026

This is a researched draft, not yet human-verified. The seasonality and logistics are drawn from the sources below — confirm specifics (permits, fees, closures) with an operator before you book.