The Invasive Indo Pacific Lionfish

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The Invasive Indo-Pacific Lionfish
Known as Pterois Volitans in the animal kingdom, also called the red lionfish, is a sight to behold in the tropical waters as they swim like an underwater butterfly in the sea. In waters not native to their origin, as they are from the Pacific and have predators that will have them for a snack. Invasive to the Caribbean Sea they have rapidly reached the Gulf of Mexico and far south, spreading to parts of South America. The lionfish has become a persistent pest that’s more trouble than what it appears to be, attractive yet deceptive with a striking pattern of white and red stripes. In the New York Times article, A Call to Action… and Even Rodeos, scientists say that, “from 2005 onward, lionfish have become the most numerous nonnative invasive species in the world.” The average pound fish is one of nature’s clever creations, a venomous foe with spines and an infinite appetite that reproduce quickly. Invasive species are notorious because they have no or almost nonexistent natural predators and they are adapt to their new home very well. The biological adaptations of this fish has caused both ecological and economical mayhem, serious measures have been taken up to control their population as well as to protect our coral reefs.
A defining feature of the lionfish which everyone sees are the “18 venomous spines on its dorsal fin and its pelvic and anal fins, which are used for defense” as described in FACE OFF WITH THE ENEMY: LIONFISH by Special To The Citizen. Which is a neurotoxin that results in intense pain and swelling of one’s body. Fernando Simal, a marine hunter at STINAPA National Marine Park, found out the potency of their venom after his first hunt when being stung by the lionfish he caug...

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...ral reefs and the native wildlife is a step alongside taking action to control the populous number of lionfish, let it be a small or big measure.
The nonnative species of the lionfish, living in tropical waters to depths far below is an unseen threat by first glance. Truth behold, this fish is a serious pest since the first sighting in Dania Beach back in the 1980s. Presently, it has grown out of its bounds and causes harm not only to the sea life but trouble to humans as well. An unmatched appetite with a fast and large reproduction to spawn its species in a matter of only a short time, makes this invasive fish at the top of a sounding alarm. Clever biological adaptations have made this fish a tough fighter to the ecosystem and only in the past few years have we learned to take effective measures to control their population to save our coral reefs.

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