These shimmering fish are fairly small, reaching between four and 12 inches long when fully grown, about the size of a teacup. Generally, their scales are a mix of vibrant colors and darker bands in various patterns.

Using sharp, venomous spines in the front of each dorsal fin, the spiny dogfish is a small but mighty predator. They are considered one of the most abundant living shark species in the ocean but are harmless to humans. The name “dogfish” comes from their habit of feeding in packs.

From their bold stripes to their sharp spines, the lionfish is one of the flashiest fish in the sea! They get their name from their long, colorful fin rays that resemble a lion’s mane. Like in many scorpionfishes, this species has venom-filled spines in several of its fins.