1. a tropical marine fish with venomous spines and distinctive striped coloring, native to the Indo-Pacific but invasive in other waters

Examples

• The lionfish’s venomous spines make it dangerous to handle.
• Divers spotted several lionfish near the coral reef.
• Lionfish have become an invasive species in the Atlantic Ocean.
• The aquarium’s lionfish display warns visitors about the fish’s poisonous spines.
• Marine biologists are studying ways to control lionfish populations.
• The lionfish’s striking appearance makes it popular in saltwater aquariums.