The Lionfish
Dilemma
T
he lionfish, a venomous marine fish, is a
non-native invasive species that is having
a negative impact on our waters. We are
seeing an increase of population in the Gulf of
Mexico, Caribbean, and the Atlantic Ocean. They
are voraciously eating and harming our native
species of smaller fish in depths of 1 foot to 1000
feet.
Lionfish are venomous, not poisonous, which
means even after they are dead you can still harm
yourself if poked. They have 18 spines which can
inflict a nasty, painful, agonizing sting or stab.
The spines are purely defensive and not used in
hunting. Lionfish have a generally hostile attitude
and are territorial towards other reef fish. Many
universities in the Indo-Pacific have documented
reports of lionfish aggression towards divers and
researchers.
Larvae and juveniles of
this species drift long distances before settling to
the bottom. This accounts
The potent venom is
for its wide native districontained in venomous
bution and rapid spread in
glandular tissue that is
the western Atlantic. Usulocated in the grooves
ally inhabiting the Indo-Paof the spines; after the
cific oceans, these prolific
spine punctures the skin,
predators were introduced
the venom enters the
into our areas and are preywound. How people reing upon our juvenile reef
act to the sting depends
fish, crabs and shrimp. Lion the amount of venom
onfish have markings of
in the wound, the immune
red, white, creamy, or black
system of the victim, and
bands, showy pectoral fins
the location of the sting.
and venomous spiky fin rays.
The sting can last for days
The lionfish uses its broad,
and cause extreme pain,
feathery pectoral fins, in an
sweating, respiratory disexpansive display, to corner A lionfish and his stomach contents tress, and even paralysis. If
prey and then grab and swallows it whole. They you are stung, immerse the wound in non-scauldalso rely on camouflage and lightning fast reflexes ing hot water and seek medical attention as soon
to capture their prey.
as possible.
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