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Lionfish threaten Caribbean Reefs
Posted by Editor | July 30, 2010 | Categories: Environment | Comments Off
 Red lionfish. File photo courtesy of La Nación |
The venomous lionfish is being spotted more and more frequently along the Caribbean coast. The non-native fish is native to the Pacific but has somehow made the jump into the Caribbean and has been spotted all up and down the Central American Caribbean coast.
The red lionfish was only noticed for the first time by scientists in Costa Rica’s Caribbean waters a year ago but already the fish has now been spotted all up and down the coast.
Another species of lionfish, the Fire Fish, has not so far been spotted in the Caribbean waters. But it is actually one of the only predators of the red lion fish which has few predators in the Caribbean. It’s only other predators are grouper and sharks but due to it’s recent introduction it is so far remaining mostly untouched.
The fish has venomous spikes which can be very painful when stung although very rarely fatal. The symptoms could also include headaches, vomiting, and breathing difficulties. A common treatment is soaking the afflicted area in hot water, as very few hospitals carry specific treatments. However, immediate emergency medical treatment is still advised, as some people are more susceptible to the venom than others.
But this is not the only problem with the lionfish. It is also a voracious eater which can decimate other fish populations.
Local divemasters have been killing the fish on sight. In some jurisdictions, such as Cozumel in Mexico, a bounty has been placed on the fish to aid in its control but not so far in Costa Rica.
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