Lionfish found in North Florida waters

Lionfish may soon be coming to a dinner table near you.
Lionfish, which are native to the Indian and Pacific oceans, have been found in the Gulf of Mexico about 16 miles off Pensacola Beach.
It's the first documented lionfish found off the coast of Northwest Florida – it has also been caught off of Mobile and the coast of Louisiana.
Because it’s a non-native species it has raised concerns that its population could explode because it has no predators in the area.
The fish are also voracious eaters and could damage native recreational and commercial fish populations.
Fishermen should be able to recognize lionfish pretty easily if they catch one.
Lionfish have red and white stripes and fanlike fins that resemble a lion's mane.
They also have a tall row of spines that you need to be careful about because they are extremely poisonous.
The poison is not fatal to humans, though it is supposed to be extremely painful, causing headaches, vomiting, and breathing difficulties.


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