The Lion Fish
A exotic fish that is causing damage by changing the salt water native reef environments is called the Lionfish (Pterois volitan). It changes the biodiversity by making the ecosystem less substanable for native fish, as the Lionfish eats young fish like the grouper and snapper, as well as, shimp. This Lionfish is a native of the western pacific ocean.
It has been noted that this fish was brought into Florida, for the aquarium pet trade and when released invaded the waters surrounding Florida, and now has spread upward along the Altantic coast as far as New York state. This burgandy brown striped fish has venomous spines that can be very painful when encountered by divers.
Diving experts at local resorts have been helping remove the Lionfish from the reefs by spearing them and also by catching them in nets. Permission has been given by government agencys for the divers to do this activity. They also help with coral reef monitoring and research techniques.
