News Animals

How slow and steady lionfish win the race against fast prey

Their technique may reveal how other predators catch speedy animals without an ambush

A red lionfish with fins spread wide next to bright red coral

A new study suggests that red lionfish (Pterois volitans) are dogged in pursuing smaller, faster prey.

Sirachai Arunrugstichai/Moment/Getty Images

By Jake Buehler

- More than 2 years ago

Lionfish certainly aren’t the fastest predators on the reef, but new research suggests that they can catch swift prey through pure tenacity, gliding slowly in pursuit until the perfect moment to strike.