About Lionfish
Lionfish (Pterois volitans and Pterois miles) are a venomous, spiny fish with a native habitat range in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and are an invasive species that threaten local reef systems throughout the Caribbean and along the southeastern seaboard of the United States.
They are popular with aquarium enthusiasts around the world and it is likely these fish were introduced to the Atlantic via the aquarium trade or ballast tanks of transoceanic vessels.
Lionfish are known to be highly territorial and can be found offshore or in estuaries. In Florida, lionfish have been found in all water depths; on hard bottom, mangrove, seagrass, coral, artificial reefs, oyster reefs, seawalls and other manmade structures.
