Lionfish, a venomous yet beautiful species that is kept and enjoyed by advance marine aquarium hobbyists, but they are not so appreciated in Florida Keys.
Lionfish is believed to have been releases in the Keys by hobbyists back in the 1990s, but the population exploded in the early 2000s. Lionfish has no natural predators but they pose significant threat to juveniles fish of practically all other species. They would consume almost every fish on the reef, and they have grown so dominant on the reef that they are barely afraid of humans which makes them much easier to kill.
Lionfish pose more threat than just to fish. By preying on juveniles fish and rapid breeding, they are threatening the area's commercial fishing and sightseeing business.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration states that eradication of the species is near impossible and the only hope is local control. Divers at Florida Keys are encouraged to kill Lionfish. The Keys even created a new tournament called the Lionfish Derby. Participants simply kill as many Lionfish as possible. Besides good killing and good gaming, Lionfish is also good eating. Lionfish nuggets are excellent feast, and the Keys may soon promote Lionfish as a food source.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/23/science/23lionfish.html?ref=fish_and_other_marine_life
http://video.nytimes.com/video/2010/11/22/science/1248069362582/an-exotic-predator-threatens-the-keys.html
By Tom Lee
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