These lionfish were captured in Biscayne National Park off Miami.

One year after the first Indo-Pacific lionfish was discovered and removed from Biscayne National Park, almost 50 additional ones have been removed. Lionfish are invasive, exotic animals with few natural predators in the waters off Miami. The animal feeds voraciously on native fish, especially members of the snapper and grouper families.

Local predators do include human beings who find lionfish tasty when prepared properly.

Government biologists believe the discovery of new lionfish, all of which were small at under six inches in length, indicates a new wave of invasion that is in its early stages. Young lionfish are being swept in with currents from the south, where populations are more established.

“It is unlikely that we will be able to completely eliminate lionfish from Biscayne National Park,” said Vanessa McDonough, the park’s fishery and wildlife biologist. “We do hope, though, that we can keep on top of this invasion and circumvent the issues associated with other South Florida exotic species invasions like pythons and iguanas.”

After the initial lionfish sighting in June, 2009, new reports were rare and sporadic. The recent sightings have occurred in many parts of the park, such as reefs, wrecks, seagrass beds, hardbottom communities and around dock pilings. Seventeen lionfish were removed from a single site.

The park is calling on visitors to capture and report lionfish, which are generally unafraid of divers.

But be careful. The mane-like assemblage of spines that give the fish its leonine appearance are tipped in poison that can cause severe pain, swelling, nausea, headaches and convulsions. If visitors cannot safely remove a fish themselves then they should note its location with GPS coordinates. Sightings can be reported at 305-230-1144.

For further information about lionfish in Biscayne National Park, including photographs, click here.