Lionfish

Photo: Valériane GIGOT · CC BY-NC

The Miles lionfish is the Arabian Gulf's native species, distinct from the invasive Red Lion of Atlantic waters, and reaches high densities on sheltered wrecks like this one. They are ambush predators that use their elaborate fan pectoral fins to corral small reef fish before striking with explosive speed. Their venomous spines deter most predators, allowing them to feed with little competition in the wreck's protected interior spaces.