LIONFISH Sightings 2011

[Hetland]

I think it would be a good idea to start keeping track of lionfish sightings in the DI / Pensacola / Destin / Panama City areas so we can get an idea of their numbers and coverage.

 

[Hetland]

3/19/2011 - Spotted two lionfish on the YDT-15, about 14 miles South of Pensacola. One was killed, one got away. Did one other dive in the area that same day (closer inshore) but didn't see any other lionfish.


Here are "before" and "after" photos of the one I saw

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[MRXRAY]

I also saw one on the same set of dives at YDT-15 but I was unable to get a shot on the one I saw. After I took the photo it disappeared into a small hole.

 

[Puffer Fish]

Thanks for the images, and will keep my eye out for them....

 

[clay00g]

We killed one on 3/14 about 15 miles west of St.Andrews pass on a natural bottom.

 

[Tessunderwater]

Does anyone know how quickly they spawn and if they have a certain period during the year when they spawn? Also, how can you kill them if your not a spear fisherman?

 

[Hetland]

http://nas.er.usgs.gov/taxgroup/fish/lionfishmedicaltreatment.pdf

 

[Hetland]

Does anyone know how quickly they spawn and if they have a certain period during the year when they spawn? Also, how can you kill them if your not a spear fisherman?

They spawn all the time (seems like it's every 30-45 days). I wouldn't mess with them without a pole spear or speargun. It's not worth getting hurt for: http://nas.er.usgs.gov/taxgroup/fish/lionfishmedicaltreatment.pdf

 

[PerlDiver]

Key Largo is also concerned about them. They must be trying to take over the Gulf one dive site at a time.

 

[Hetland]

We probably saw 70 or so in the Ft. Lauderdale area earlier this year, zero the year before.