Lionfish were introduced to the Atlantic Coast of Florida in the 1980s by either release or escape from marine aquariums. Many populations of reef fishes have declined in areas invaded by Lionfish, and efforts to control their spread have been largely ineffective.
Story
The Pacific Red Lionfish, introduced to the Atlantic Coast of Florida in the 1980s by way of release or escape from marine aquaria, poses an enormous threat to the health of coral reef systems throughout the western Atlantic Ocean. Native to the Indo-Pacific, Lionfish are cryptic predators that slowly stalk their prey before consuming them whole with lightning-fast jaws. Many populations of reef fishes have declined in areas invaded by Lionfish. Efforts to-date to control their spread have been largely ineffective. Lionfish have long, venomous fin spines and should not be handled without extreme care.
To attempt to control their spread, and simultaneously educate the public about the potential impact of non-indigenous organisms on native ecosystems, Lionfish “rodeos” are now held in many places in Florida. At these events, fishers learn how to safely collect Lionfish – usually by spear – and prizes are given for the most Lionfish, the largest Lionfish, and at some events, the smallest. Scientists attending these rodeos quantify the impact of Lionfish on Florida’s marine environment by analyzing gut contents and reproductive condition of the captured fish. The flesh of Lionfish is white and flaky and of high quality.
Robert Robins
Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Florida Museum of Natural History
Summary
Pacific Red Lionfish (Pterois volitans)
From Monroe Co., Florida, Mar. 2012
Exhibit Area
Theme
Additional Information
- Species profile: Lionfish (Pterois volitans)