Let’s talk about the invasive species of the Caribbean that alarms the experts: “It’s beautiful, but you have to kill it.” An example of what happens when species are placed in the wrong habitats and causing imbalances.
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The lionfish, belonging to the family Scorpaenidae
This is the name of the invasive species that wreaks havoc in the Caribbean. It is a beautiful looking fish, even displayed in many aquariums. It is also called scorpion fish, since it secretes a poisonous substance.
This fish has a maximum size of 20 centimeters. Its appearance is quite distinctive, as it has many stripes on its pectoral fins. Its antennae are also large, bearing the image of a fish with a mane.
Due to the aforementioned, it was baptized as “Lion Fish”. It is very colorful and voracious. Its favorite food is shrimp, although it does not hesitate to gobble up other small fish. He is always hungry and quite active.
Source: fao.org
A species that appears in Caribbean waters
Invasive species appear for two reasons: they are displaced from their natural territory; or they are placed in a new ecosystem by humans. There is still no consensus on what happened in this case.
It is believed that, being an exotic species, it was smuggled into the US. Some specimens were released, thrown into the water. The fish then reproduced and began to eat other fish in the Caribbean ecosystem.
Another theory considers that the lionfish were forced to leave Pacific waters, reaching the Antilles Sea. In this area, they found a large amount of food. The bad thing is that they devour aquatic fauna without mercy.
Another problem is their ability to reproduce: females can lay 30,000 eggs every 4 or 5 days. Having no natural predators, almost all specimens reach adulthood and start hunting for food.
Source: Latest News
It was first seen in Florida in 1985
Since then, it has not stopped increasing its presence on the Caribbean coasts. “You have to finish it, kill it”; experts say. It is proposed to incorporate it into gastronomy, although its meat is not very profitable.
The appearance of the lionfish is beautiful. But, it is a very harmful species. Small crustaceans are its initial victims. However, over time it has been adding more marine animals to its menu.
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What happens if the lionfish population is not controlled? Well, the entire food chain in the area will be broken and many marine specimens will cease to exist.
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