Lionfish or Pterois Miles, Ocean Reef Fish Playing Cards

A shaft of sunlight pierces the blue water, illuminating a vibrant coral reef teeming with life. Sunlight dances on the surface, creating a shimmering path across the turquoise sand that slopes gently upwards towards the left. In the foreground, colourful corals jut out from the seabed, like miniature, living tents in shades of green, blue, and yellow. Off to the right, the turquoise sand gives way to a deeper section of the reef, where the water transitions to a mesmerising blue. --- The scene's undisputed star is a Pterois miles, also known as a lionfish, its body a canvas of bold stripes – red, maroon, white, and brown. It glides gracefully through the water, its side facing the viewer. Its elaborate pectoral fins, reminiscent of a feathered wing, fan out with each measured stroke. But beneath this captivating beauty lies a predator. Venomous spines protrude from its dorsal fin, a silent warning to any potential prey. The lionfish's gaze, fixed on something unseen beyond the frame, hints at its constant vigilance in this underwater world. --- The name Pterois miles is a fascinating echo of this creature's unique form and presence. "Ptero" comes from the Greek word for "wing," a fitting reference to its spectacular pectoral fins. "Miles," on the other hand, is Latin for "soldier," perhaps inspired by the bold stripes that adorn its body, reminiscent of a military uniform. --- As the sunlight plays hide-and-seek with the coral formations, casting fleeting shadows, the Pterois miles continues its silent ballet. This vibrant tableau captures the delicate balance and mesmerising beauty of the coral reef ecosystem, with the lionfish serving as both a captivating resident and a reminder of the delicate balance at play beneath the waves. --- The photographer Alexander Vasenin put this image into Creative Commons "CC BY-SA".