Overview
Lionfish is a striking ocean fish with venomous-looking spines and flowing, fan-like fins. Found in the Ocean zones of Starsand Island, it is one of the most sought-after catches due to its high sell price of 176 Coins. However, Lionfish is also one of the trickiest fish to find. It only appears during Summer, exclusively in Rainy weather, and requires Veggie Bait. These strict conditions make it a rare encounter that requires patience and planning.
How to Catch
Wait for a Rainy day during Summer, then head to any coastal shoreline. Lionfish bites between 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM, so you have a daytime window only. You must use Veggie Bait; Meat Bait and Bug Bait will not attract Lionfish. Craft Veggie Bait at the Chopper station using raw vegetables.
The biggest challenge with Lionfish is the Rainy weather requirement. You cannot control the weather in Starsand Island, so you need to check the forecast at the start of each Summer day and rush to the coast when rain is predicted. Do not waste rainy Summer days on other activities if Lionfish is on your list. Consult the Bait Guide for Veggie Bait crafting details.
Catch Details
Property | Details |
|---|---|
Zone | |
Season | Summer only |
Weather | Rainy only |
Time | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
Bait | Veggie Bait |
Sell Price | 176 Coins |
Merchant Ship Price | 352 Coins (2x bonus) |
Uses
Selling: Lionfish is best sold for profit. At 176 Coins raw (352 through the Merchant Ship at Starsand Port), it is the highest-value standard ocean fish in the game.
Cooking: Process into Fish Fillet at the Separator if needed, but given its high sell price, selling raw or via the Merchant Ship is usually more profitable than cooking. Use cooking recipes only if you need the energy or buff from a cooked dish.
Bait Production: Converting Lionfish into Minced Fish Bait at the Chopper is technically possible but wasteful given its value. Use cheaper fish like Clownfish for bait production instead.
Fish Pond: Place in a Fish Pond for breeding and display. A Lionfish in your pond makes for an impressive show.
Islandpedia: First catch registers in your Islandpedia stamp collection. Lionfish is one of the more satisfying stamps to earn due to its rarity.
Tips
Lionfish requires Rainy weather in Summer. When a rainy day arrives, drop everything and head to the coast with Veggie Bait ready.
The 10 AM to 8 PM window is shorter than most ocean fish. Arrive early to maximize your chances.
At 352 Coins through the Merchant Ship, a single Lionfish is worth more than seven Clownfish. Always sell rare catches at the Merchant Ship for the 2x bonus.
Lionfish shares the Summer ocean with Tiger Puffer (Sunny/Rainy) and Moorish Idol (Sunny/Rainy). On rainy Summer days, you can catch all three if you time your session from 10 AM onward.
If you are struggling to find Rainy days in Summer, keep playing through the season. Weather is randomized, and rainy days will eventually appear.
Check the All Fish guide for the complete list of fish across all zones.