Predatory lionfish now a confirmed invader in the deep Atlantic

Scientists have confirmed that the hardy, Indo-Pacific fish that has invaded waters off the US East Coast and the Caribbean is now living deep in the Atlantic, possibly imperiling smaller fish there.

"Studies have shown that at least 40 species of fish have dropped in number since the lionfish was introduced to their Atlantic environment…"

Mankind has introduced animal species into locales not indigenous to them. The result is endangerment to native species, upsetting a balance that had once existed.

"Scientists have traced the lionfish, native to the Indo-Pacific and the first exotic fish to invade the Caribbean, to the aquarium trade between oceans in the 1980s. The fish were likely released into the ocean near southern Florida."

"The Reef Environmental Education Foundation Fund sells a cookbook devoted to lionfish recipes, as well as a list of local restaurants that serve lionfish."

Is it just a matter of time when we see "steak and lobster" on menus being replaced by "steak and lionfish?"

(The Story)