By Julie Anderson
There is a new species of fish being spotted across the Gulf of Mexico.
Red Lionfish (Pterois volitans) are members of the Scorpionfish family (Scorpaenidae) and native to the Indo-Pacific. The red lionfish is invasive in the Western Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico representing one of the most rapid marine finfish invasions in history. Primarily inhabiting reefs, and found in depths ranging from 1 to 175 meters, they feed on small fish and crustaceans.
A well camouflaged, nocturnal species, lionfish range from 6-12 inches in length and are covered with venomous spines on their dorsal, ventral and anal fins. Juveniles tend to live in small groups, but adults are solitary creatures.
Not adapted to swimming halfway around the world, lionfish were most likely introduced in the Western Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico through the aquarium trade. During Hurricane Andrew in 1992, six fish were known to escape in the storm. Also, lionfish have been intentionally as well as accidentally released by owners. Their first reported sighting in the Florida Keys was in January 2009, but red lionfish were established in Bermuda by 2004. In September 2010, lionfish were reported near oil rigs off the coast of Louisiana. Cool water was expected to limit the range of lionfish in the Northwestern Atlantic, but lionfish have been found in water as cold as 56 °F.
Many reefs throughout the Caribbean have been altered by lionfish. They are predatory, meaning they will consume many reef fish including damselfish and cardinal fish. Lionfish can significantly reduce native fish populations on a coral or artificial reef, affecting the ecosystem’s balance. And with its characteristic venomous spines, very little else will eat lionfish, making them an upper-level predator in the Atlantic, Gulf and Caribbean. Their spines are poisonous to humans as well, creating new hazards for snorkelers and scuba divers.
If you encounter a lionfish, be careful! Red lionfish are harmful and can sting humans. Use extreme caution if you choose to handle these fish. PVC gloves or gaff are recommended. Additionally, you can help by reporting any fish you see to:
You can help prevent the spread of this invasive. You can eat them. Like nutria, Asian carp and other invasive animals, humans can serve as a predator to keep populations under control. On the lionfish only the spines contain the venomous toxin. If cleaned carefully, the flesh is edible.
For additional information and for updates on lionfish, please visit: www.seagrantfish.lsu.edu/biological/redlionfish.htm.
