Lionfish

Lionfish Hunting

The Lionfish it's an aggressive species around Roatan's waters. Lionfish, Pterois is an invasive species to the Caribbean Sea, Mediterranean, and Western Atlantic, with venomous spiky fin rays. They are also known as zebrafish, firefish, tasty fish, turkey fish, or butterfly-cod. Harmful to humans, Pterois can live up to 15 years. The impact of invasive species is one of the main threats to biodiversity. This threat is how the lionfish is taking over the Caribbean sea's waters, altering the balance of its food chains and the biodiversity of coral reefs.

PRO TIP: Lionfish have 18 venomous spines, three anal, two pelvic, and 13 dorsal spines. 

Invasion

There are different theories about how the species came into the ocean. In the 1980s, lionfish were introduced into Florida waters, possibly by people who bought them as exotic pets and then threw them into the sea. The other theory is that Lionfish was introduced in 1992 when supposedly hurricane Andrew took an aquarium in Florida to pieces. It is uncertain; however, this last theory is the most precise.

Popular Catch

This species is one of the most popular catches on the island of Roatan, with tuna and wahoo. As an invasive species, it is the most popular fish to catch. Besides being a popular dish on the island, it helps to avoid breeding this species in the waters of Roatan Island. On the other hand, hunting Lionfish is not that easy, and you'll require a permit to do so. Several divers and groups organized hunting dives for Lionfish too.

Ways to stop it.

• Popular Dish

• Invasive Species

• Fast Breeding

Popular Dish

This fish is a popular dish on the island. If you can't catch it, at least eat it. People can collaborate with the invasion by having a high demand for this popular dish. The more you order it, the more they catch it. Spread can be controlled by repeated hunting.

Invasive Species

Lionfish have no natural predators. However, they are known for devouring other fish populations. Lionfish also adapt to different temperatures around the ocean, making it easy to spread across the sea. As a result, it is a threat to the coral reef ecosystem. Just as lions are feared predators in Africa, Lionfish - is an underwater force to take into account in the waters of the Caribbean Sea.

By their curious name, you might think that the greatest threat posed by these animals is their dreaded poisonous thorns. However, the real fear comes from its alarming and fierce speed of invasion of new waters. These animals can capture new prey that has not evolved to recognize them as predators. There are few predators of this species native to the Pacific apart from the groupers.

Fast Breeding

The destructive nature of the lionfish invasion is partly the fault of its reproductive success. Every week, lionfish can produce thousands of eggs, spreading widely in ocean currents after hatching. In addition, since they are invaders, their prey does not recognize them as dangerous, so they can prey without much effort.

PRO TIP: Lionfish's thorns grow over time in the same way that tree rings do.

Regulations.

• Permits

• Hunters & Equipment

• Risks

Permits

A spearfishing permit is required to hunt for lionfish. Can obtain licenses through the RMP, which stands for Roatan Marine Park. Spearfishing is illegal around the island, except for the spearing permits for divers and snorkelers. You are not allowed to go on Lionfish hunts without this permit. It is illegal.

Hunters & Equipment

As stated above, only divers with PADI certifications and snorkelers with permits can hunt Lionfish by using Hawaiian slings while snorkeling, scuba diving, or free diving.

Risks

Hunting the species can be very risky; that is why so important for divers with experience and permits can do it. But, on the other hand, its natural poison can be a high risk for humans.

Clinical manifestations and their intensity depend on multiple factors such as:

The number of spines involved, because the greater the number of these involved in the wound, the higher the injury points will be, contributing to a more distribution of the toxin.

The greater the spines' depth, the higher the risk of spreading the toxin to areas of greater risk.

The dose of inoculated poison would enhance the clinical picture as it is more variable and intense.

Since injuries near the joints, blood vessels, and nerves, the injured anatomical site can always lead to a more marked clinic with a greater probability of complications.

The time of exposure or contact with the poison is directly proportional to the absorption of the toxin at the tissue level.

PRO TIP: If you are not a certified diver or expert, you should contribute by trying the dish. A way to control lionfish is to promote its consumption.