An introduced species to the Atlantic from the Indo-Pacific, lionfish have been a problem in the western North Atlantic (as well as the Mediterranean) for a few decades, and despite best efforts by divers, marine biologists, and so-called “invasive species” chefs, they continue to proliferate.

The first recorded sighting of a lionfish in Florida waters dates to 1985, and since then they’ve been seen throughout the entire Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and as far north as Rhode Island (in summer months). Two species are now present in these waters: the most common red lionfish ( Pterois volitans ) and the rarer devil firefish or common lionfish ( Pterois miles ). Apart from their venomous Mohawks, lionfish are viewed as being incredibly destructive outside of their normal habitat and population.…