invasive lionfish caught in Franklin

[boggob]

http://www.wtxl.com/global/story.asp?s=13287423

A venomous and invasive fish not native to the gulf is starting to make an appearance in our coastal waters for the very first time. It has fish and wildlife experts concerned.

A lionfish was caught near Eastpoint in Franklin County. Scott Hardin with Florida Fish and Wildlife says it's the first time they have seen this fish in this part of the gulf. He says in recent years the fish population has exploded out of the Caribbean region. Even though the fish is small it doesn't have many predators and it can eat food other fish rely on in reef areas where it is most often seen. The fish can sting and it can be painful to people but not poisonous.

If you hook a lionfish the Fish and Wildlife folks want you to report it.

To report sightings of lionfish, call the nationwide reporting number (877-STOPANS) sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) or fill out an online report on the USGS website at http://nas.er.usgs.gov/sightingreport.asp.

For more information about lionfish, visit the USGS website at http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactShee ... ciesID=963. Go to

MyFWC.com/Nonnative to learn more about nonnative species in Florida.

[bman]

Any idea how deep it was? I wonder if the winter cold will have an effect on them?

[Flint River Pirate]

That is scary