Andover lionfish (Pterois andover)

Classification (WoRMS)

Full classification as recorded by WoRMS: Kingdom: Animalia · Phylum: Chordata · Class: Teleostei · Order: Perciformes · Family: Scorpaenidae · Genus: Pterois.

Accepted name: Pterois andover · Authority: Allen & Erdmann, 2008 · Taxonomic status: accepted · AphiaID: 398444.

Source: World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) — https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=398444 (CC BY 4.0). Accessed 2026-09-25.

Biology and life history (FishBase)

Measured values published by FishBase for Pterois andover. Only fields the database actually holds for this species are shown; these are database values, not aquarium guidance.

Maximum length: 23 cm · Depth range: 3–70 m · Habitat zone: benthopelagic · Body shape: fusiform / normal · Vulnerability index: 13 of 100 · Fishery importance: of potential interest · Aquarium trade: never/rarely.

FishBase notes: Occurs on or near turbid inshore reefs surrounded by soft sand-mud bottoms, often in the proximity of freshwater discharge (Ref. 74961).

Source: FishBase species summary (SpecCode 63727) — https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Pterois-andover.html (CC BY-NC 3.0 — non-commercial use only). Accessed 2026-09-25.

Description and natural history (Wikipedia)

The Andover lionfish was first formally described in 2008 by the American ichthyologists Gerald R. Allen and Mark van Nydeck Erdmann with the type locality given as southwestern Yapen Island in Cenderawasih Bay in the Papua Province of Indonesia. The specific name refers to the Singaporean company Andover Leisure Pte Ltd, part of the Andover group of companies, which owns, builds and manages oceanaria and is "dedicated to promoting greater public appreciation of the oceans and marine conservation in Asia". This name was requested by Sinduchajana Sulistyo, chairman of the Andover group, who made a successful bid to conserve the Andover lionfish at, a black-tie charity auction, the Blue Auction, held in Monaco on 20 September 2007 to support Conservation International's Bird's Head Seascape marine conservation initiative.

Description

The Andover lion fish has 13 spines and 11 soft rays in its dorsal fin, the first dorsal spine being short, being around 15% of the fish's standard length, while its anal fin contains 3 spines and 7 soft rays. The pectoral fin has between 12 and 14 fin rays, typically 13. The dorsal spines have a thin, barely noticeable membrane on their rear edges which expands into a pennant-like flap at the tip> There are few dark spots on the median fins compared to related species with 5 to 28 on the dorsal fin, 10 to 19 on the anal fin and 17 to 41 on the caudal fin.

Distribution and habitat

Andover lionfish are found in the western Pacific in marine waters off of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea and ranges as far as Sabah, Malaysia, and the Philippines. P. andover is found at depths from 3–70 m. This species is found on or in the vicinity of turbid inshore reefs within more extensive areas of sandy-silty substrates, frequently close to river mouths.

Biology

Andover lionfish are usually observed as solitary fish, although small family groups have been recorded. During the day they hide in crevices and under rocks, with their tails pointing outwards, among coral reefs or outcrops. They feed at night over soft mud and sand substrates, on crustaceans and small fish. Like all lionfishes this species is protected by venomous spines.

Source: Wikipedia: Andover lionfish — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andover_lionfish (CC BY-SA 4.0). Accessed 2026-09-25.