Invasive lionfish are not poisonous, they are venomous. A common misconception is that these two terms (venomous and poisonous) are synonymous when in fact they are distinctively different. The two terms can be distinguished by the method of toxin delivery. Venomous organisms deliver their toxins by injecting it into their victims using specific apparatuses like fangs (some snakes), stingers (bees), or spines (lionfish). In contrast, poisonous animals require their victim to ingest (some mushrooms) or absorb (some frogs) their toxins.

Because invasive lionfish are venomous and not poisonous, their meat can be safely consumed. In fact, research suggests that invasive lionfish meat contains higher levels of healthy omega-3 fatty acids than some commonly consumed reef fish. On-going research shows that invasive lionfish do carry ciguatoxins, which can cause ciguatera fish poisoning in humans when fish containing these toxins are consumed. However, over 400 other reef fish have been found to carry ciguatoxins, including many commonly consumed species like grouper and snapper, and no reports of ciguatera fish poisoning has been documented from invasive lionfish consumption. Current research is being conducted to investigate whether invasive lionfish are more toxic than other commonly consumed fish species. Until that research is completed and suggests otherwise, the same caution that is advised when consuming fish or shellfish is also recommended for invasive lionfish.

On the contrary, invasive lionfish venom is contained in the last ¼ of spine and does not contaminate the meat.

The first confirmed sighting of invasive lionfish in the Atlantic was actually in 1985 off Dania Beach, Florida. The release of unwanted lionfish from home aquaria is believed to be the most probable source for the invasion. Although it is possible that lionfish were accidentally released during Hurricane Andrew, evidence suggests this was not the start of the invasion.

In many areas, especially the Great Lakes region, invasive species are commonly introduced during ship ballast water exchange. Some believe this is the same mechanism that introduced lionfish to the Atlantic. However, research on common Atlantic and Caribbean shipping lanes, ship origins and destinations, ballast water exchange locations, ocean currents, and the location where invasive lionfish were first reported (Dania Beach, FL) suggest this scenario is an unlikely candidate for starting the lionfish invasion. The release of unwanted lionfish into the wild from home aquaria is believed to be the most probable source for the invasion.

Many videos have surfaced over the last several years showing divers feeding invasive lionfish to predators like sharks and barracuda. Although these predators are consuming the invasive lionfish that are being fed to them, no evidence suggests that these predators are actively hunting and consuming invasive lionfish. This misinformed control technique can have severe negative and counterproductive results. When predators are fed by divers, it is highly likely that they will associate divers with a free meal and may harass them more than usual, which could result in unwanted attacks by predators. It is highly encouraged not to feed predators in the wild.

Scientists have agreed that invasive lionfish are here to stay and nothing can be done to completely eliminate invasive lionfish from the invaded region. However, a lot can be done and has been done to minimize their impacts on our native reefs. Invasive lionfish removals through derbies and tournaments have shown to be highly effective at reducing invasive lionfish abundance. Invasive lionfish consume native species at astonishing rates and this rate is higher when invasive lionfish abundance is higher. Therefore, the best way to combat invasive lionfish is to remove as many as possible for as long as possible.

No evidence exists that suggests invasive lionfish will actively attack you. The majority of reports that state invasive lionfish “attacked” a victim also state the victim was harassing the fish before the attack. Most wild animals will attempt to defend themselves, violently if necessary, when they feel threatened. It is advised to seek proper training before participating in activities in which you will encounter invasive lionfish.