By Soren Morrison
Lionfish (Pterois volitans) are a species of venomous fish, native to the Indo-Pacific region and the Red Sea. They are a stunning fish with red-brown bands contrasted with white and black. They have 13-18 venomous dorsal spines, that are filled with neurotoxins. While their venom is very rarely potent to humans (most deaths happening with pre-existing medical conditions), their venom is highly potent to other marine animals. This self defense essentially allows them to live without any predators. Lionfish are mot picky eaters either, which coupled with their lack of predators, makes them a perfect invasive species.
The Invasion of the Lionfish was first recorded in near Florida during the 1980s. The lionfish rapidly took over the Southern portion of the Western Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico. Their invasion heavily impacts the coral reefs, mangroves, and native fish species. They have been able to outcompete some of the top predatory fish in these areas, which include groupers. This competition comes from their overlapping diet. Both compete for the same smaller species of fish, but the Lionfish can eat during both the day and the night, which gives them a large advantage. They are also not targeted heavily by fisherman, so their populations are on a constant rise. Their damage to reef fish population is staggering, with the reduction in the recruitment of native reef fish by 79%. Their invasion has been vastly successful due to the aforementioned lack of predators, but also their incredible ability to reproduce. Lionfish are able to reproduce throughout the year, and female lionfish are able to produce up to 2 million eggs in a year. The lionfish also have incredibly high temperature tolerance, being able to withstand cold water temperatures around 59 degrees fahrenheit. Lionfish have been spotted as far north as Massachusetts, which is an incredible feat of endurance.
There has been some progress when it comes to removal of the species in reefs. They have become the target of spearfishing, which many divers taking it upon themselves to exterminate as many as they can. Countries where lionfish are native to have been eating them for a long time. While it can be difficult to prepare, the fish is considered a delicacy. This has been one way that people have adapted to the ongoing invasion. Many restaurants in areas where lionfish has taken over, have began serving lionfish. Spear fisherman have been selling their catch to restaurants, creating a market for the fish. This is a great way to deal with the invasive species, and control their population. Another great recent addition to the problem has been groupers. Some species of groupers (Goliath grouper and Nassau grouper), have been seen eating lionfish. These groupers seem to have a strong tolerance to the venom, and are unaffected by it.
Below are some very cool videos of people hunting lionfish. Definitely worth a watch!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2stl906kN8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMTpxAvqtLM