Posted on 04/07/2011 1:12:22 PM PDT by JoeProBono
Seemingly striking a blow for ecological balance, a Caribbean reef shark chomps on an invasive lionfish in the clear waters of Roatan Marine Park off the coast of Honduras.
Working with park officials, local divers are attempting to give sharks a taste for the alien reef species, which are native to the Pacific and Indian Oceans. With no natural predators, lionfish populations have exploded throughout the waters of the Caribbean and U.S. Southeast since their accidental introduction by aquarium hobbyists a decade ago.
In Honduras "local dive masters familiar with the sharks decided to try to turn them on to eating invasive lionfish," said photographer Antonio Busiello, who recently snapped images of the efforts during three months of diving on the site.
"If these predators start to see lionfish as prey, eventually, in time the lionfish may be kept under control as a part of the ecosystem. That was the idea."
First you have to feed the Lion Fish a Snickers Bar.
I watched a lionfish trying to sting a tang or triggerfish (can’t remember which one). The lionfish would snap his spiny rays much like stream fishermen (whip the pole back and abruptly forward in a casting motion). The other fish would dodge and angle his body so he could be hit but the stinger would not release its venom. A shark had a skin that is like hide and very abrasive in it’s own right so there’s that protection. The amount of toxin (pound per pound) must be small enough and well tolerated by sharks (I know, stating the obvious) and it is generally tolerated by people.Staff at the the pet store I frequent tell stories about getting stung and are grateful that they are not among those who happen to have an allergy to the toxin and experience anaphylactic shock.
But I do wonder if, over time, it’s bad for them to eat small amounts of venom. Must get OSHA on that right away!
There doesn’t seem to be much meat on lionfish either - mostly fins and rays. So a shark would really have to stuff itself to subsist on them - I imagine they like meatier choices when possible. Maybe it’s like eating popcorn or feather dusters...
Lionfish "suimono" or soup
I don't think it would be worth being cooked just to eat a Lionfish.
"Chris tasted good."
"Yeah. I'd like to taste Chris again."
land shark
Ping
You know, outside of ballet, I don’t think sheer tights are a good look for a man....
That smiley shark in the bottom pic looks like somebody I know. :P
Best commercial ever
I couldn’t help myself ;)
Pretend they’re door too door salesmen.
Ok, I officially hate all you guys.
The next lionfish post, I’m just going to vote ‘present’.
(you try so hard to be a good a nice guy...and what do you get....just ballbusting and...and...I used to love you guys!!!)
Signs all over the FL Keys saying open season, no limit on lionfish.
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