Volitan Lionfish emits "cloud" from hole just above gills

[the75]

Has any one seen this behavior before or possibly knows what it is? The Volitan sprayed out a white colored cloud with a light red tint to it. It was very fine & dissipated after a couple minutes, but I've never seen this behavior in a lion before & would like to know if its normal or something to be concerned with. This was blown out of the hole directly above each gill. Thanks for any help.

 

[saxman]

That hole is actually part of the fish's operculum (gill cover). At first, I was wondering if you were simply seeing the fish molting, but from your description, maybe not.
Had you fed the lion recently before you saw this, if so, what was it? The reason I ask is because lions have pharyngeal teeth to soften larger food items before they swallow, and sometimes, you see something similar as they "chew". Also be aware that most lionfish will overeat, sometimes to the point of regurgitation, and your fish might be on the hairy edge of doing so if it has been overfed. What/how often do you feed it?
If not, is the fish "gilling"? If so, it may have a gill infestation.
How new is the fish to you?