The Pacific lionfish has migrated to the Jamaican waters and can be dangerous to divers. The fish can also be dangerous to humans as its spines contain toxins that produce a sharp pain upon contact.- Contributed
FISHERS ARE being advised to report any sightings of the ferocious Pacific lionfish, which has invaded Jamaican waters.
It is unclear what the current population of the fish is, but it has been sighted several times since 2006 and was recently caught in the traps of fishermen off the coast of St Thomas.
The lionfish is a voracious predator which eats only other fish and occasionally young lobster. It has no natural predators and reproduces rapidly. It can grow between six and 18 inches.
The fish are often used as ornamental fish because of their colourful bodies and long separated spines, and are, therefore, often placed in aquariums for attraction. Depending on their species, the fish can appear yellow, brown, red, orange, black, maroon or white, the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) says.
ideal home
They originate in the Pacific and Indian oceans but have found an ideal home in the warm waters of the Caribbean and Atlantic.
According to Dr Karl Aiken, lecturer in the Department of Life Sciences at the University of the West Indies, the fish is believed to have found its way into the regions waters in 1992 after an aquarium in Florida was damaged by the onslaught of Hurricane Andrew. The fish escaped into Biscayne Bay and, over time, found their way into the Gulf of Mexico and later, into the Caribbean.
The fish confuses and traps its predators by extending its long spines and moving closely towards it. Before the prey can escape, it charges and gobbles it in a split second.
The Jamaica waters are already overfished, plus the severe weather from storms and the overdevelopment of the coast ... So you can imagine how this will further impact the fishing industry, Aiken says.
dangerous to humans
The fish can also be dangerous to humans as its spines contain toxins that produce a sharp pain upon contact.
The fish is edible, Aiken says. Once the spines are removed and the meat cooked at a high temperature, it is good to eat.
It eats only fish so it should have a good flavour, he says.
The fish are also ornamental and, therefore, can be sold as such, Aiken adds.
However, the public is being advised to report any sightings of the fish to NEPA.
We would like to document the spread of this species, says Aiken.
