Lion fish spotted, and captured, in Mahahual- Info on Lionfish

 If you don't know what a Lion fish is - you;re not alone, but the more people that know about this exotic fish, the better. Last week, a flier was circulated  via email to all the dive businesses and eventually forwarded to me because a lion fish Pterois volitans (Linnaeus) has been spotted, captured and killed in the Sian Ka'an.  There are quite a few along the cost of Florida with spottings in Cancun, Playa and it appears to be moving further south.  Why is it dangerous?

Lion Fish are member of the Scorpion fish family whose beautiful spines are venomous creating a danger to divers and fishers if stung. Although there have been no known fatalities caused by lion fish stings, they are reportedly extremely painful. Researchers urge caution to anyone who encounters these fish.Secondarily, it has no natural predators in the Atlantic and its a voracious predator eating fish larger than its 1 foot length and consuming 2-3 times it's weight a day.
     
This image is from a  NOAA article on Lion fish

Most observations of lion fish occur in waters more than 100 feet deep, so divers and those fishing in deep waters are most likely to have encounters with the fish. Wading, snorkeling or swimming in shallow water will not pose a threat to tourists.

Other names: fire fish, lion fish, ornate butterfly-cod, red fire fish, red lion fish, turkey fish, zebra fish

MORE INFORMATION and LINKS

Lion fish research and reporting

Lion fish media coverage

National Geographic article on Lion fish

  So what do you do if you find one? 
--1st Mark the location via GPS, dive computer or other method
--2nd Only capture it if you are trained - remember it is venomous - if you aren't trained - don't attempt it
--3rd If possible kill it
--4th report the sighting experience on this exotic species reporting form
--5th If stung, treat with as hot a water as you can stand - similar treatment to sting ray or sea urchin spines

You Eat it - it is supposed to be very delicious (now I'm dying to try it) - but use gloves to remove spines.  Cooking removes all toxins. 

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Posted by Marcia Bales at 6/15/2009 8:10 AM
Categories: Sea Life,Mahahual News
Tags: predator fish lion fish reef fish dangerous fish
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  • 6/15/2009 7:30 PM Carlos Loya wrote:
    It's a shame that it's poisonous and such a threat because it sure is beautiful! I can imagine how splendid it must look swimming around with such fancy tentacles.
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  • 10/15/2009 11:30 PM RICK BARON wrote:
    SOUTH OF PLAYA DEL CARMEN IN THE WATERS OF PAAMUL,MX. DIVING FROM SCUBAMEX DIVE SHOP.I HAVE SEEN OVER 10 Different Lion fish AND THEY ARE HAVING Babes.IN ABOUT 45FT OF WATER.THEY ARE IN THE SAME PLACE EVERY DAY.
    Reply to this
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