Funny how attitudes change over the years. Its a good thing we didn't all buy into the laissez-faire approach.
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My business is Aquatics, the lionfish which became invasive when the hurricane hit the New Orleans Aquarium. The average lionfish has 600 babies a year. They have no predators in our neck of the woods. In there natural habitat here is a Grouper that keeps them in check. The dorsal fins and pectoral fins have the venom which works if they are alive or dead. Its on all the time they don't control it. the barbs that inject the poison can pierce very thin suits or gloves. Its very painful and you have to have knowledge of all the four letter words to help the pain. I have been stung many times, I am fully versed, Rick
Hey Rick,
You might enjoy this site. Lots of good info in one place. The World Lionfish Hunters Association - Welcome to Our Virtual Lionfish Hunting Lodge? : The World Lionfish Hunters Association
Lionfish were reported on Florida's east coast long before Katrina hit NOLA. Reproduction numbers are much higher than 600 a year; one egg sac (they release two) contains thousands. Those barbs travel through thick suits and gloves as though the materials were butter, thus the use of medical or industrial sharps gloves and due care.
I thoroughly agree about the severity of the sting, though. Hurts like %+*^€¥£#!! Quick pressure around the puncture to cause bleeding (no cutting!) can help remove much of the venom and alleviate the need for swearing.
Keep up the good fight! Studies are showing that controlling in numbers in limited areas is effective in preserving those species that would otherwise disappear as prey. And may nature reach a balance soon...
Sallye is right, the myth of the hurricane releasing them has been proven wrong.
Well that's funny, cause I was told that they (I assumed NOAA) had traced the DNA lineage to 8 lionfish that came from hurricane tanks (not necessarily the aquarium) that are the origin. Probably doesn't really matter.
How about the rumor a FL dive op introduced them on his house reef to entertain divers?