The Lion fish is a venomous coral reef fish. It is mainly native to the Indo-Pacific region, but has become an invasive species in the Caribbean Sea, as well as the East Coast of the United States.
Experts speculate that people have been dumping unwanted lionfish from home aquariums into the Atlantic Ocean for up to 25 years. Since Lion fish are not native to Atlantic waters, they have very few predators. They are carnivores that feed on small crustaceans and fish, including the young of important commercial fish species such as snapper and grouper.
Unfortunately, researchers have concluded that invasive lionfish populations will continue to grow and cannot be eliminated using conventional methods. Marine invaders are nearly impossible to eradicate once established.
How lionfish will affect native fish populations and commercial fishing industries has yet to be determined. What is known is that non-native species can dramatically affect native ecosystems and local fishing economies.
We have been told that if we see a Lyon fish to kill it. Lionfish have venomous spines that can be very painful. I have been told that they are good to eat, but I don't know how to clean it without getting hurt or getting us sick.
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