Devil firefish (Pterois miles) dark coloring

   The coloration varies from reddish to brown and gray, with numerous thin transverse dark red-brown and white stripes on the body and head. The color can become noticeably darker. This usually indicates excitement or stress. Therefore, a nearly black lionfish is not a "different form," but a behavioral state. The dorsal fin has 13 spines and 9 to 11 soft rays. The spines are extremely venomous, a sting from a lionfish spine can be fatal.