photo credit: PlantingPeace.com
By Kira Krall:
Lionfish are reef fish native to the Indo-Pacific Oceans. They fit in perfectly with the ecology of that habitat. However, red lionfish (Pterois volitans) and the common lionfish (Pterois miles) have made their way into the waters of the Americas.

A map of current and projected lionfish distribution. Blue and green are native ranges, solid red is current nonnative range, and red hatching is projected nonnative distribution. Source
How?

A lionfish tank in Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas. Source.
So What?

Lionfish grouping around a reef. Lionfish don’t typically school, but there can be so many lionfish on one reef that they’re forced to co-habitate. Source.
Why Are There So Many Lionfish?

Two sharks attempting to eat a lionfish. A female lionfish can get up to 7 inches in length. Source.
Well, What Can I Do?

A fried Lionfish Sandwich from Vivo Cafe & Restaurant in Grand Cayman. Complete with side salad! Source.

The “Scary Dragon Roll” at E Sushi Shap in Aruba. A creative way to serve lionfish! Source.

A freediver showing off his catch. Watch out for the spines! Source.