Native to the Indo-Pacific and Red Sea, lionfish are popular with both public and private aquariums, appreciated for their feathery fins and distinct color pattern.

Lionfish were first reported in Atlantic waters in the 1990s, and have since become established along the U.S. east coast from Florida through North Carolina and east to Bermuda. They are also regularly present throughout the Bahamas and northern Caribbean, have been sighted as far south as Nicaragua and as far east as the U.S. Virgin Islands.

In January 2009 the first confirmed lionfish was reported in the Florida Keys and captured. To read more about the capture, click here.

Lionfish are not native to Atlantic waters and have very few predators of their own. For this reason scientists and resource managers are concerned about the potential impacts lionfish could have on native reef fish populations. Lionfish have venomous spines that can be very painful. Divers and anglers are encouraged to be cautious if they see or hook a lionfish.

What to do if you sight a lionfish in Monroe County, FL?
Do not attempt to capture or kill the fish. Take note of the location at which fish was sited; including information such as GPS coordinates, mooring ball numbers, depth, and characteristics of surrounding reef or habitat structures. Report sightings to either the Marine Ecosystem Event Response and Assessment hotline (305-395-8730) or the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (305-852-0030).

Anglers who hook or net a lionfish in the Keys are encouraged to cut the line over a cooler and place the fish on ice. Do not attempt to remove the hook. Take note of the location at which you caught the fish and contact the sighting hotlines mentioned above.

What to do if stung?
Stings from lionfish can be serious. If stung, immerse wound in hot water (100-110 degrees F or 38-43 degrees C) until pain subsides or medical treatment is administered. Do not burn skin and seek medical attention as soon as possible. It is recommended that you call the 24-hour Aquatic Toxins Hotline at the Florida Poison Information Center in Miami, where medical experts will advise you immediately: 888-232-8635

For additional information:
http://www.ccfhr.noaa.gov/stressors/invasivespecies/Lionfish
http://www.reef.org/programs/exotic/lionfish
http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.asp?speciesID=963
or google "lionfish outreach"