Channel: Rust is Gold

Category: People & Blogs

Tags: lionfishmediterranean seaspearfishing lionfishgreeceλεοντόψαροspearfishingλεοντόψαρα στην ελλάδαspearfishing in greeceλεοντόψαραεπικίνδυνα λεοντόψαραlionfish in greece

Description: The lionfish is a carnivorous fish native to the Indo-Pacific that is now an invasive species in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea. Scientific Name: Pterois volitans (red lionfish) and Pterois miles (devil firefish) There’s been a lot of buzz surrounding the lionfish invasion in the Mediterranean Sea, Western Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico. With the invasion being a relatively new phenomenon (at least to most people), there’s bound to be some misinformation flying around. Here are some myths or misconceptions about lionfish and the facts behind them. Knowing the truth behind lionfish puts us one step closer to figuring out a solution to the problem! Myth #1: Lionfish are poisonous. Truth: Lionfish are venomous, not poisonous– there is a difference. Although both venomous and poisonous animals produce a toxin that can be harmful to other organisms, the method of delivery is different. Venomous organisms use a specific apparatus like spines or teeth to inject their toxin. Poisonous organisms, on the other hand, require their victim to ingest or absorb the toxin. Lionfish possess venomous dorsal, pelvic, and anal spines that deliver toxin through an unpleasant puncture wound. Each spine is surrounded by a loose sheath that is pushed down during envonemation, compressing two venom glands located down then length of the spine. Neurotoxic venom then travels through two parallel grooves up the spine and into an unhappy victim. On the bright side, this means that as long as you stay away from the spines, you’re good to go! Myth #2: You can’t eat lionfish. Truth: Because lionfish are venomous, not poisonous, there is no harm in eating the lionfish meat. Once you dispose of the spines, there is no risk of envenomation, and you’re free to prepare your lionfish as you choose. Fortunately for the fish lovers out there, lionfish are delicious. Their white, buttery meat lends itself to any number of different recipes.