ミノカサゴと似ていますが、体の横縞模様が腹面にまで伸びること、背ビレと尻ビレの軟条部および尾ビレに斑点が散らばっていることで区別できます。ヒレのトゲに強い毒があり、刺されると危険です。

The Red Lionfish is similar to the Luna Lionfish, but can be distinguished by the lateral stripes on the body that extend to the ventral surface and by the scattered spots on the soft stripes of the dorsal and anal fins and on the caudal fin. The spines on their fins are highly poisonous and can be dangerous if they sting.