Venomous Indian lionfish spotted for the first time along Mumbai’s coast

Rare Indian Lionfish Spotted for First Time off Mumbai Coast (Representative Image: Canva)

A quiet dive along Mumbai’s shoreline has revealed something remarkable. For the first time, the Indian lionfish has been officially recorded in the city’s coastal waters, drawing attention to its rich and often overlooked marine life.

Marine scientist Raniya Ansari of the Coastal Conservation Foundation verified the discovery. The Indian lionfish, or Pterois miles, is a member of the scorpionfish family. Its black and white zebra stripes, delicate flowing fins and spines that deliver a painful sting make it hard to miss and impossible to forget.

Natives of the western Indo-Pacific, the lionfish are not only stunning. Beyond their looks, they are an integral part of their ecosystem, both predator and indicator of the environment. By ambush, they prey on smaller fish and invertebrates. This maintains local reef populations within their native environments.

But when discovered beyond their indigenous ranges, lionfish have proven to be invasive in nature. They fight with native species for space and food, often displacing the balance of nature. This is why observation in new regions is ecologically significant.

This recent sighting off the coast of Mumbai was achieved through citizen science. Vigilant locals were responsible for recording the species, making it possible for its formal identification along the coast of Mumbai.

Mumbai’s Coastline Still Full of Surprises
Speaking to Sunday mid-day, Ansari said the sighting is a timely reminder. “It is because of curious, observant citizens that we are uncovering these stories from our shores,” she explained. She emphasised the urgent need to value and protect local biodiversity before it disappears.

The Coastal Conservation Foundation continues to document marine species along the Mumbai coast. With the help of its team, it is raising awareness about life beneath the city’s waves. From sea slugs to lionfish, Mumbai’s waters remain full of stories—if one only stops to look.