LION FISH THREATENS BIODIVERSITY ALONG THE COAST OF SOUTH AMERICA The lion fish (Pterois volitans), native to the Indian and Pacific oceans, escaped from an aquarium in Florida, USA, in 1992, upon damage by the hurricane Andrew. Between 1999 and 2010, it invaded the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, the coast of Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and Venezuela. If the invasion progresses, it will reach the coast of Brazil. The lion fish has very toxic spines and there is great risk of accidents with fishermen for lack of familiarity with the species. For more information, click here. Help disseminate this alert, especially to fishermen in the Northern coast of Brazil. | | |