Indian lionfish, a venomous marine species, spotted for the first time off Mumbai coast

• The Indian lionfish (Pterois miles), a venomous marine species, was documented for the first time along the Mumbai coast, near the western suburbs.

• This is a significant biodiversity record for the region’s marine ecosystem.

• Native to the western Indo-Pacific, the Indian lionfish is known for its bold zebra-like stripes, fan-like pectoral fins, and venomous spines.

• It belongs to the Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfish) family and uses its spines as a defense mechanism.

• In native habitats, it acts as an ambush predator, feeding on small fish and invertebrates, and helps regulate reef populations.

• In non-native regions, it can become invasive, disrupting local food chains and threatening native species.

• The Indian lionfish is currently listed as "Least Concern (LC)" on the IUCN Red List.

• However, its impact as an invasive species in non-native areas makes it ecologically sensitive in those contexts.

• The sighting was part of a citizen science initiative, documented by the Coastal Conservation Foundation (CCF).

• Researchers emphasized the need for increased awareness and conservation efforts along the Mumbai coast.