Invasive Species of the Sunshine State - #1 The Lionfish

An invasive species is any organism that is not native to a particular ecosystem, and can cause damage to the environment as well as to humans, and even the economy. Many invasive animals cause significant damage to the populations of native species, whether it be by preying on them or in some cases, simply breeding at a much faster rate. Here in Florida, invasive animals and plants are something the residents are far too familiar with. From feral hogs, snakes, and toads, to insects, and even fish, the list is anything but short. This is mainly due to the fact that the humid subtropical climate in Florida, with its minimal cold seasons and frequent precipitation, provides just the right elements and conditions that these organisms need to flourish.

For this particular article on my invasive wildlife series I will be starting, I've decided to take a plunge into our ocean, where a very bizarre as well as beautiful fish resides : the lionfish. Named after the wide pectoral fins and the fan of long colorful dorsal spines which resemble the mane of a male lion, these fish can also be quite dangerous to divers and swimmers, due to the potent venom secreted from these sharp spines. Lionfish are native to the Indo-Pacific, however, in years past these spiny striped beauties have become prominently established along the southeast coast of the U.S., the Caribbean, and in parts of the Gulf of Mexico. So, how exactly did this fish make its way into the Atlantic? While the exact cause is still up for debate, it's likely that humans may have played a large role here. Experts speculate that aquarium enthusiasts and pet store owners have been dumping unwanted lionfish from home aquariums into the Atlantic Ocean for over twenty years. These fish are carnivores who's diets consists of small fish and crustaceans. This also includes the offspring of many keystone species and commercial fish, such as snapper and grouper, which in turn affects the fishing industry, as well as the supply and demand of these fish for food and other purposes. The population of lionfish is expected to grow around Florida's oceans in the years to come, given the species preference for tropical and subtropical waters. The best advice one could give when it comes to controlling the population of these fish would simply be if you keep captive lionfish or are considering adding some to your aquarium, please do not release them into the wild.

Sources:
https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/lionfish.html
https://lionfish.co/why-are-lionfish-a-problem/