lionfish

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Florida, we have a lionfish problem

Gone Coastal by Alan Peirce, FWC Let’s talk straight. Lionfish are a challenge. Native to the Indian Ocean and South Pacific, these beautiful yet venomous creatures are spreading through our waters like a bad cold. Within their native range, lionfish fit nicely into the natural food web and their populations remain in check. But not in Florida. Our native predatory fish are simply not ordering the new and bizarre-looking menu item, leaving little to control the lionfish population. Initial sightings...

Non-native lionfish spells trouble for reef habitats and marine fish

Population spreading, NOAA, FWC seek information From the Desk of the FWC – By Stan Kirkland, FWC It sounds like something out of a B-rated horror movie but a non-native predatory fish called the lionfish has become established in marine waters of the southeastern United States and Caribbean, and may spell trouble for many marine fish. The first report of a lionfish was near Dania Beach off southeast Florida in 1985.  Lionfish populations have increased since then and the species...