About
Lionfish (Pterois volitans) have 18 venomous spines to protect themselves from predators, which has led to their many different names. Names inspired by their venomous spines include Devilfish, Scorpion-cod, and Firefish, among many others. These fish are typically 12 to 15 inches long, but can grow bigger in places where they are not indigenous. They originate in the Indo-Pacific and Red Sea.
The Threat They Pose
The Lionfish has made itself at home in Florida’s reefs, but not without issue. Lionfish are not native to Florida, and have no natural predators within our reefs. In order to combat their potential destruction of our waters, the state and many other organizations hold a “Lionfish Challenge” each year to encourage and reward divers to remove these invasive fish.
How Can I Help?
To learn more about our wildlife and how you can get involved, here are a few Florida-based organizations that focus on protecting wild Florida:
The Ocean Conservancy is a U.S.-based organization that works towards protecting biodiversity, advancing climate solutions and preventing ocean plastic. They encourage volunteers to get involved by taking action, joining cleanups, and working with them!
The Florida Ocean Alliance is a Fort Lauderdale-based organization that is dedicated to protecting and enhancing Florida’s coast and ocean resources by integrating conservation and economics.
The Ocean Conservation Foundation is a Key Largo-based nonprofit organization that seeks to protect and actively restore marine ecosystems. They educate, engage with divers to monitor coral health, and offer volunteer opportunities through clean up events.
Sources – nps.gov, floridamuseum.ufl.edu, myfwc.org
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