**Attention: We use cookies to help make this website better. By continuing to use our service, you agree to our use of cookies. More info**

Lionfish Invasion

Experts think that the red lionfish invasion off the east coast of the United States and Caribbean might have probably escaped from a Florida fish tank in mid-1990s. The red lionfish is a venomous coral reef fish from the Indian and western Pacific Oceans (map Below).

Lionfish origins Map

This year on my vacation in Dom. Rep. I heard for the first time about the lionfish invasion in the island. The sightings of the fish were mentioned all the way in the north coast (Sosua, Maimon Bay and Luperon) but the red lionfish have also been detected in the coasts of Cuba, Puerto Rico and Cayman's Island.

They feed on crustaceans and fishe up to half its size using its widespread pectorals trapping prey into a corner, stunning it and then with their mouth they create a vacuum and suck the prey in during a nearly imperceptible split-second movement. Research teams observed one lionfish eating 20 small fish in less than 30 minutes.

They are not aggressive, but if threatened they will erect their dorsal spines that are venomous. The sting can be treated by heating the afflicted part and application of corticoids (regulation of inflammation).

Some of the pictures below were taken during a night dive and the others the next day at the same spot. Some others were provided by my good friend Elin Sanchez from Dominican Republic.

Latest Articles

Our latest post to keep you updated.

Travelling with Diving equipment Travelling with Diving equipment
The airlines are in the endless battle to reduce their costs...


Diving Amed BaliAmed-Bali.
most commonly known for diving the USS Liberty wreck at Tulamben area.


Diving Ria AldanRia Aldan.
Part of the Rias Baixas in Spain.


Best-Cameras-for-DivingBest Diving Cameras for 2023.
These are currently the best cameras for diving.


Khao_Lak_Beach-ThailandKhao Lak Beach.
Located in Thailand with over 20+ nice dive sites.


diving Karon-ThailandDiving Karon.
Located in Thailand with over 30 nice dive sites.


Diving Canada mapDiving in Canada.
The water is cold, but that has not stopped the Canadian divers and visitors.


Diving-Exumas-the-BahamasDiving in Exuma, The Bahamas.
with 365 cays and islands is the perfect place for relaxation and diving.


Diving-the-Bahamas mapThe Bahamas
known for its big tourism industry offering big hotels, nice beaches and clear waters.


Diving-in-KalymnosDiving in Kalymnos, Greece.
Diving in Kalymnos Island, Greece. known as the "Sponge-divers' island.


Diving-in-PaphosDiving in Paphos, Cyprus.
Paphos is one of the oldest cities in the world which has seen rise and fall of many kingdoms.


Diving_Raja_AmpatDiving Raja Ampat, Indonesia.
Famous for its ditch biodiversity and the coral coverage is stunning.


Diving_Aliwal_Shoal-Reef-UmkomaasDiving Aliwal Shoal-Reef-Umkomaas, South Africa.
The most popular dive site to view the Ragged Tooth Sharks during the shark season.


Diving_in_South_Africa mapDiving in South Africa.
Cage diving in South Africa is very famous due to the massive fur seal colony and African penguins.


Kata_Beach-Phuket divesDiving Kata Beach-Phuket, Thailand.
Kata Beach in Phuket has most beautiful beaches and easy to dive locations on the island.


Diving-Santa-CatalinaDiving Santa Catalina, Panama.
Most of our dive sites are located in Coiba National Park, a protected area.


Diving-in-BaliDiving in Bali.
Bali has lots of great dive and snorkelling sites.


diving in CarriacouDiving Carriacou, Grenadine Isl.
Carriacou prides itself on some of the best diving in the Caribbean.


Diving_Guardalavaca cubaDiving Guardalavaca
Guardalavaca was a nice experience. They have a great wall with really nice tunnels.


Underwater_WorldHow is the coral reef being affected?
Corals are highly sensitive to environmental changes that can kill them.


Diving_Kas-TurkeyDiving Kas-Turkey
Kas is a small historical town on the south coast of Turkey and we have great diving.


Diving_South_DalmatiaDiving South Dalmatia
Diving Marco Polo's home town in Croatia.


Diving_Catalina_IslandCatalina Island, Dom Rep
You will love our amazing snorkelling and diving activities.


ScubaDivingFanClub.com
IMPORTANT ARTICLES

Camera sea life micro

Best Diving Cameras | Diving Information

Diving Accessories

Top 10 Diving Accessories | Diving Equipment

Russian-tank underwater video

Russian Tanks in Cuba | Diving Video

Barrier_Reef

The Coral Reefs | Diving Information

Scuba Diving Proverb.

Afraid of Diving | Diving Information

Diving Mistakes.

12 Common Diving Mistakes | Diving Information

basic gear.

Necessary diving equipment | Diving Equipment

First time divers.

First Timers | Diving Information

diving signal

Diving Signals | Diving Information

Diver Equalizing Ears

Diving Risks | Diving Information

basic gear.

Equipment Maintenance | Diving Equipment

First regulator, the aqualung

Diving History | Diving Information

Question logo

Diving Questions | Diving Information

Diving quote.

Diving Quotes | Diving Gallery

3Bar/ATM watchs

How deep is 3 bars?| Diving Information



Our-Shop

See More.






Our Contributors

How to become a contributor