The "lion fish", also known as "scorpion fish" and very venomous, could be invading the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, according to hypotheses put forward by Cuban researchers, following the discovery of the species in the waters of Cuba in 2007.
Since the year 2000, the "lionfish" has already been reported several times off the south coast of the United States as well as in the waters of Puerto Rico.
National Aquarium experts have pointed out that the presence of "lionfish" is very common in the Pacific Ocean and the eastern Indian Ocean.
Long 30 or 35 centimeters, the "lion fish" has appendages above the eyes and venomous dorsal spines. His sting is very painful and his venom, which can be dangerous for humans, is destroyed by heat.
The "lionfish" feeds on other fish that it captures by absorption.
This fish has now reached Venezuelan waters where we observed it 3 times and where it is chased by local Divemasters who would like to eliminate it so that it does not destroy endemic species ...
Here is a picture, taken in Los Roques in February 2010 by © Alexie VALOIS:
Come take a picture yourself, we open a competition of the most beautiful picture of Lion fish!
Good dives to all.
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3 comments
Hello !
Do we know how the species arrived in the Caribbean? An accidental release due to man or happened naturally? Does it only concern the species volitans ? Are there juveniles?
See you soon !
Hello Anthony,
a priori, the species escaped from a lab or an aquarium in Florida ...
I believe it is only volitans but I will devote myself to this census in October / November in Les Roques and I will be able to tell you more about it afterwards.
We haven't seen any junveniles yet.
See you soon !
Olivier
Hi Olivier,
we are following it closely, do not hesitate to tell us more when you have results!
See you soon,
Anthony.