Lionfish are a huge problem in the Florida Keys and it is growing. Once an adult lionfish finds a suitable habitat they tend to stay there, and can eventually reach densities of more than 200 adults per acre. Lionfish can be speared, caught in hand-held nets, or caught on hook and line. 2019 Key West Lionfish Derby This derby is organized to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the sinking of the USNS General Hoyt S. Vandenberg. Learn fun facts about lionfish. In warmer climates, lionfish can spawn every four days. Is it feasible to snorkel for lionfish in Florida? The flesh of the lionfish is not poisonous or venomous and they are popular in some parts of the world as food. Protecting Florida Keys waters is something that matters to everyone who lives in the island chain. Native to the Indo-Pacific, lionfish are a carnivorous, venomous fish and invasive species that threaten marine habitats in the Western Atlantic, Caribbean, and … The lionfish is taking over coral reefs in Florida and the Caribbean, feasting on native fish that don’t even recognize it as a predator. One theory is the lionfish likely followed currents up the Atlantic Coast, around to the Bahamas and then into the Gulf. Males mature at about 4 inches and females at about 7 inches. To prove it we are matching all online pricing on the tours we offer. Turtle Kraals - 231 Margaret St., Key West, FL 33040 Date: 5/26/2019 5:00pm EDT This derby is organized to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the sinking of the USNS General Hoyt S. Vandenberg. Although the captain’s meeting and festivities are in Marathon, tournament rules allow lionfish to be taken from anywhere in the Keys. Their population numbers are growing which is causing concern in the United States, where some feel this non-indigenous species presents human and environmental dangers. Lobster Lee Starling emerged from a harvest this week with more than a Grouper and Hogfish on the end of his spear. Also known as a dragon fish, scorpion fish, and turkey fish, the lionfish typically inhabit the rocky crevices and seaward edges of coral reefs and can be found in cloudy or muddy water hunting for their next meal. They were tasty. They can consume prey that are more than half of their size and are known to prey on more than 70 marine species. Traveled down to Key Largo to dive the 2018 REEF Winter Lionfish Derby. Our fresh fillets retain their special texture and feel in the mouth. The Key West Aquarium is part of the Historic Tours of America® eNewsletter. April 29 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Aquarium Encounters, 11710 Overseas Highway, Marathon. Within the western Atlantic Ocean, including the waters of the Caribbean and surrounding the Florida Keys, the lionfish is an invasive species that has flourished since it was introduced approximately twenty-five years ago and has been found by divers snorkeling in Key West. In fact, our prices are up to 56% Cheaper*, Key West Dive Center is the #1 Scuba Diving Tour and Activity Concierge in Key West. Other than The second thing you’ll notice if you get too close is that those needle-like dorsal fins are venomous! Most often, lionfish corral their prey into a corner. I live in South Florida where we have plenty of lionfish. E Discover all that a Florida Keys vacation has to offer when you visit and experience. … Most of the events were canceled this past year and organizers plan to come back strong in 2021. Yes. These masses drift for about 25 days. The Registered Agent on file for this company is Geen Eric and is located at 19 Kingfisher Lane, Key West, FL 33040. The first reports of lionfish occurred off of Florida’s Atlantic Coast in 1985. Key West to spend over $300k to stabilize cable huts Citations raise mask awareness in Key West Today in Keys History Nov. 28 Group offers ‘Stay Safe. Answer 1 of 10: What restaurants in KW have Lionfish on the menu? Given that these beautiful fish are territorial, quick, and aggressive, divers snorkeling in Key West and other areas on the Florida Reef are well-advised to give them a wide berth if spotted while diving or snorkeling. There are also checkpoints where tails of the lionfish can be taken, which include Diver’s Direct in Key Largo and Key West, Underseas on Big Pine Key, Finz Dive Center on Stock Island, and Tilden’s in Marathon. Be avoided during any capturing and handling due to their ability to inflict injuries... You need to know about lionfish in the Florida Keys and Key West, FL 33040 70! You the best experience ’ ll notice if you get too close is those. 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