lionfish are poisonous, no? Why aren’t the sharks affected?
I think that as the lionfish are an invasive species, the sharks just don't recognize them as a food source.
Lionfish are poisonous but not fatal.
People can eat lionfish, however they have to be cooked. Cooking disables the poison for humans. And, (I’m guessing) it probably does not effect sharks at all.
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...