Lionfish in Lembeh: Kings of the Coral Jungle
Like their terrestrial namesake, lionfish combine striking beauty with an undeniable sense of drama—and just a dash of danger. With their elegant fins, slow, poised movements, and vivid stripes, lionfish are a highlight for many divers visiting North Sulawesi. And in the Lembeh Strait, where they’re a common sight, these captivating creatures offer the perfect blend of photographic flair and fascinating behavior.
In this article, we’ll take a closer ook at the various lionfish species found in Lembeh, while also exploring their biology and behavior, to find out what makes them such irresistible subjects for underwater photographers. Ready to meet the kings of the coral jungle? Let’s dive in.
Taxonomy & Biology: Meet the Lionfish of Lembeh
Lionfish belong to the Scorpaenidae family, which includes other venomous fish such as scorpionfish and stonefish. When diving or snorkeling in Lembeh, you can expect to meet up to seven species of lionfish, including:
- Red lionfish (Pterois volitans)
- Common lionfish (Pterois miles)
- Spotfin lionfish (Pterois antennata)
- Russell’s lionfish (Pterois russelii)
- Shortfin lionfish (Dendrochirus brachypterus)
- Zebra lionfish (Dendrochirus zebra)
- Fuzzy dwarf lionfish (Dendrochirus pictus)
Lionfish are easily recognizable by their fan-like pectoral fins, long, flowing dorsal spines, and bold vertical stripes. Though intimidating in appearance, lionfish are generally non-aggressive and only use their venomous spines in self-defense. The venom, while painful to humans, is rarely life-threatening.
Lionfish also possess bony head plates and ridges; natural armor that helps protect them from predators like groupers, moray eels, barracuda, and even other lionfish. Interestingly, during night dives in Lembeh, we have even witnessed Bobbit worms attacking lionfish, a dramatic reminder of how wild and dramatic life in the Lembeh Strait can be.
Behavior: Hunting and Mating
Lionfish are ambush predators, using their large fins to corral small fish and crustaceans into corners before striking. Rather than biting or chewing, lionfish swallow their prey whole; they use a rapid strike and suction-feeding technique that creates a vacuum, which draws prey into their mouths. They’ve also been observed blowing jets of water to stun and disorient their targets.
In Lembeh, as elsewhere in the Indo-Pacific region, Lionfish often hunt during crepuscular hours (dawn and dusk) or at night. Thanks to a reflective layer in the retina of their eyes (called the tapetum lucidum), lionfish have excellent night vision—an ideal adaptation for nocturnal ambushes.
Nighttime is also the right time for lionfish to engage in their unique mating rituals. After the sun goes down, males and females perform a graceful, fin-flaring dance before the female releases her eggs. The fertilized eggs then float away in a gelatinous mucus balloon, offering some protection from predators. Beyond that, lionfish offer no parental care—nature takes over from there.
Lionfish in Lembeh: Native Residents, Not Invasive Menaces
While lionfish are vilified in the Caribbean as invasive predators, in the Indo-Pacific, including North Sulawesi, they are native species, who are well-integrated into their ecosystems. Populations here are regulated by natural predators and competition, so they do not pose the same ecological threat seen in other, non-native regions.
Lionfish thrive in a variety of habitats, from coral reefs to muck sites, and can usually be found at depths ranging from 1 to 25 meters (some have been spotted even deeper). Around Lembeh, it’s common to see several species coexisting on a single dive site, especially on shallow reefs and sandy slopes.
Their slow, deliberate movement and exemplary buoyancy—achieved through expert control of their swim bladders—allows them to hover motionlessly, creating an eerie silhouette against Lembeh’s dark sands and the endless blue of the ocean depths.
Photography Appeal: Supermodels of the Sea
For beginners and seasoned professionals alike, lionfish are a favorite subject for underwater photography. Their bold patterns, elegant fins, and slow, predictable movements make them easy to frame and rewarding to shoot. Unlike many shy and skittish reef fish, lionfish often remain in place long enough for divers to experiment with angles, lighting, and composition.
In Lembeh, blackwater and bonfire dives add another dimension to lionfish photography. Juvenile lionfish, with their disc-like shapes, drift in the water column like alien lifeforms. This has made them popular among underwater photographers, who are able to capture some otherworldly shots of these photogenic, floating marvels.
Read More | Want to know more about using black, blue or blurred backgrounds in your underwater photography? Check out this recent blog.
Whether it’s a dramatic close-up of a lionfish flaring its fins or a dreamy silhouette illuminated by back lighting, these creatures offer endless creative opportunities for underwater photographers. These supermodels of the reef are always ready and willing for a close-up (though don’t get too close to those venomous spines).
Lionfish in Lembeh: What to Expect
Divers visiting the Lembeh Strait can expect regular lionfish encounters, especially on muck sites and sheltered reefs. Because they’re relatively common, lionfish provide great practice for those still developing their photography skills, while also presenting creative challenges for seasoned shooters.
Night dives are particularly rewarding, as lionfish become more active and reveal the secrets of their natural behavior. And thanks to Lembeh’s calm conditions and incredible biodiversity, you’ll often encounter multiple lionfish species on a single dive—each with its own distinct appearance and unique charm.
Want to Dive Deeper?
In the latest instalment of our Lembeh Learning Series (LLS), we shine a spotlight on these dramatic, and often maligned or misunderstood fish. From their deadly hunting tactics to their surprising elegance and ecological balance, lionfish are far more than just a pretty face—or a venomous spine. Join us to learn more about their role in Lembeh’s reef ecosystems, and how to photograph them.
Lionfish are the ultimate combination of beauty, danger, and accessibility—a reminder that even the ocean’s most dramatic and vilified characters can play a harmonious role in their native environment. Whether you're mesmerized by their slow, ghostly hover, or intrigued by their night-time rituals, lionfish never fail to leave an impression.
Lionfish may not be the most rare or most sought-after creatures in Lembeh – elsewhere in the world, they are actively hunted as an invasive species. But here, you will discover these captivating animals in their natural environment, and find a new respect for their ability to not only survive, but thrive. For new divers and budding underwater photographers alike, these kings of the coral jungle can be a source of inspiration and pride.
