Lionfish Invasion In Florida 01 Footage

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The first lionfish in US waters were reported in 1985 in South Florida and within a decade Its population exploded along its Atlantic coast and the Caribbean sea. Lionfish have not been reported in the Gulf of Mexico before 2010 but today its distribution pattern has drastically shifted to an unusual high population density along Florida’s west coast compared to its east coast population. While most scientists claim it to be impossible to determine the exact event or events that led to the lionfish introduction in US waters, the available aquarium fish trade data proves otherwise. Lionfish became very popular and common aquarium fish in the early eighties, especially in the U.S. In particular the red lionfish (Pterois volitans) was a top selling aquarium fish, which also stays in direct correlation with the Burmese python (Python bivitattus) invasion in South Florida (similar trade data and timeline).
The Zenia wreck is located 50 miles of Panama City, Florida. The former coast guard buoy tender was sunk as an artificial reef in 1975 and rests upright at around 190’. The wreck serves its purpose well, attacking a wide variety of reef fish and has become a spear fishing paradise in recent years. But also invasive species such as the infamous lionfish have over populated the Zenia, feeding voraciously on smaller fish, crustaceans and other marine life. Zenia Wreck vs Lionfish was filmed by Heiko Kiera aka Ojatro in 2016.