The Red Lionfish, Pterois volitans, Smithsonian is a poisonous tropical fish native to southeast Asia. The fish is invading the Atlantic from Florida and the Bahamas to Rhode Island, and wreaking ecological havoc. The big problems with non-native species are a lack of natural predators and a lack of natural defense on the part of the prey.

Image courtesy of New England Acquarium, neaq.org, Used with permission.

Sharks, Groupers and other predators keep the populations in check in south-east Asia. Red Sea Cornetfish (Fistularia commersoni) are natural predators of Pterois miles, a related species of scorpaenidaea. Importing south-east Asian sharks or red sea cornetfish would probably be a stupid idea, one where the cure may be worse than the disease.  I wonder, however, if we can train dolphins or sea lions to hunt or trap the Red Lionfish? Continue reading →