Further Undersea Adventures III

Jim Kelly-Evans

Senior Insider
Serial Divers had a busy boat today with a half dozen divers. We dove the SW side of Le Pain de Sucre. Conditions were good with no strong currents at depth and good to excellent visibility. Highlights that I saw were colorful sponges, a Moray Eel, a couple of Groupers, a Lionfish and a Flamingo Tongue shell. Dive time was 42 minutes at 67 feet maximum depth. The ocean temperature on the dive was 79 degrees.

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Great, so clear, photos!

Are lion fish proliferating? My recollection is that in Florida they are perceived as an invasive predator with no known natural predators & have a vicious sting.
 
Great, so clear, photos!

Are lion fish proliferating? My recollection is that in Florida they are perceived as an invasive predator with no known natural predators & have a vicious sting.
Thanks, Dennis. Lionfish do seem to be thriving in spite of efforts to contain their population. One diver yesterday said he spotted four of them during our dive. They are an invasive species thought to have been introduced by tropical fish hobbyists releasing them into the wild. They are prolific breeders and they have voracious appetites. While no spearfishing is permitted within the SBH Marine Park, Lionfish culling has been organized here and elsewhere. The tips of the Lionfish fins can inflict a painful sting. When caught the fish is said to be tasty when prepared for human consumption with the poisonous fins removed.
 
Thanks, Dennis. Lionfish do seem to be thriving in spite of efforts to contain their population. One diver yesterday said he spotted four of them during our dive. They are an invasive species thought to have been introduced by tropical fish hobbyists releasing them into the wild. They are prolific breeders and they have voracious appetites. While no spearfishing is permitted within the SBH Marine Park, Lionfish culling has been organized here and elsewhere. The tips of the Lionfish fins can inflict a painful sting. When caught the fish is said to be tasty when prepared for human consumption with the poisonous fins removed.
A Whole Foods Market where I live in FL will display lion fish on ice from time to time & will dress & fillet them for cooking. I haven’t yet mustered the courage (or curiosity) to try it!
 
A Whole Foods Market where I live in FL will display lion fish on ice from time to time & will dress & fillet them for cooking. I haven’t yet mustered the courage (or curiosity) to try it!
Have not had them, but close friends from Florida claim it is very similar to grouper.
 
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