Lionfish

Photo: Harry_Cooper · CC BY-NC

Lionfish are extraordinarily numerous on the Konanda, with individuals occupying virtually every doorway, porthole, and internal crevice visible during a penetration dive. Their abundance on this wreck reflects the extensive hard substrate and the shelter it provides — lionfish favour enclosed overhead environments where they can ambush prey with their fan-shaped pectoral fins. At dusk they become active and visible hunters, positioning themselves near the schooling glassfish that pack the holds in dense silver clouds.