(DiverWire) It is not news that the lionfish has invaded the coast of the Dominican Republic, and most of the Caribbean. It is true that it is a very effective predator, with no known natural predators in the Atlantic, and it has become a regional pest. That is why the Reef Check Dominican Republic Foundation organized a tasting in La Caleta Submarine National Park, as a way to encourage consumption.
During the activity the delicious and tender white meat of lionfish are offered in various preparations such as fried, plain or accompanied by delicious sauces, all this by way of cooperation from the Dominican culinary well known magazine Gastroteca and its team of chefs and cooks . This activity was developed in the park, where fishermen and divers have confirmed the presence of the species in the area.
The man has been effective in eradicating species of fish and we could do the same with the lionfish, or at least control its population. Since it is a poisonous fish, it is good to know that the venom is found only in the fin spines, so it is recommended to consume lionfish after all fins are cut off from its base. Other countries with coastal cities such as Colombia, Mexico, Bahamas, Honduras , and Puerto Rico have launched programs to encourage consumption as a form of control and has proven to be effective.
About the Lion Fish (Pterois volitans)
It is a marine species native of the western Pacific and Oceania. Because of its beauty and behavior, it is very popular among the aquarists, and one of the 10 most valuable species imported in the United States. The most likely explanation for the arrival of the fish the Atlantic Ocean is through the aquarium trade.
It is also possible that the lionfish may have been transported through ballast water of ships traveling from the Pacific Ocean.
The juvenile Pterois volitans have a great capacity of movement, which has allowed them to be seen around the island. They are carnivores that feed on small fish, crustaceans and molluscs and are remarkably quick to adapt to new types of food and therefore pose a threat to marine biodiversity, economic activities focused on tourism and fisheries.
The lionfish is an alien species (not Caribbean), which competes with other territorial local species, alter the marine ecological balance due to their and has no natural predators in this area.
The species is crepuscular and nocturnal and is found in tropical coastal seagrass beds, coral reefs or shallow lagoons.
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