Lionfish (Pterois volitans) are native to the Indo-Pacific region, but they have become an invasive species in the waters of Florida and the Caribbean. They were likely introduced to these areas through the aquarium trade, either by being released intentionally or escaping from aquariums.

Lionfish have few natural predators in the Atlantic, so their population can grow rapidly. They have a voracious appetite and can consume a wide variety of fish and invertebrates, including species that are important to local ecosystems and economies. They can also outcompete native species for food and habitat, leading to declines in native populations.

Lionfish are a significant problem in Florida because they can reproduce year-round and can lay tens of thousands of eggs at a time. They can also tolerate a wide range of temperatures and salinity levels, which allows them to thrive in many different habitats.

Efforts are underway to control the lionfish population in Florida and the Caribbean, including educational campaigns to discourage the release of non-native species, lionfish derbies and fishing tournaments, and the development of lionfish-specific fishing gear. However, controlling the lionfish population has proven to be a challenging task due to the species’ rapid reproduction and ability to adapt to new environments.