 lion fish served here |
 lionfish caught |
You may have seen a picture of a lionfish or heard of them, but in Belize? The introduction of lionfish into the Wider Caribbean Sea is believed to have originated South Florida when several lionfish were known to have been released into the sea. The shallow tropical waters of the Bahamas has witnessed a population explosion over a period of 4 years
between 2004 and 2008. Bahamian fishermen are now harvesting lionfish for consumption since they are among
the largest fish in the sea. Don’t be surprised if you are on a tour with us and your guide attempts to kill or catch the lionfish. Lionfish are voracious predators and can consume almost 80% of juvenile fish recruits including the important
fishery export products like snappers and groupers, and parrotfish, which help keep the coral reefs clean of algae.
Lionfish are also known to eat crustaceans, like the spiny lobster. In 30 minutes a lionfish was observed eating
more than 20 fish! YIKES!!!! The local guides and fisherman have been doing a great job on the Barrier Reef and they have been on many dinner tables to enjoy.
Pterois is a genus of venomous marine fish found mostly in the Indo-Pacific, known collectively as the lionfish. Pterois is characterized by red, white and black stripes, showy pectoral fins and venomous spiky tentacles. Pterois are popular aquarium fish and are readily utilized in the culinary world.
