31 replies to this topic

[scubajunkie6]

I'd like to make this thread educational. Please submit interesting facts and factoids about Lionfish. (Please only submit one (1) fact or factoid per day per member.)

This will be interesting, and look forward to reading other replies.

According to some reports, it can eat as many as 20 smaller fish/shrimp/lobster in a few minutes by using its venomous spines to paralyze its prey and then vacuum/swallow them whole in their large mouth.

[WreckWench]

Good one Scubajunkie6!!! One of our awesome volunteers will get it added to the main list!

[Parrotman]

"In studies on small coral reefs in the Bahamas, Hixon and his graduate student Mark Albins determined that a single lionfish per reef reduced young juvenile fish populations by 79 percent in only a five-week period. Many species were affected, including cardinalfish, parrotfish, damselfish and others. One large lionfish was observed consuming 20 small fish in a 30-minute period. Lionfish are carnivores that can eat other fish up to two-thirds their own length."

Oregon State Univeristy

[Parrotman]

This looks like a good tool to have. It is compact and easy to carry in a holster.

http://www.foldspear.com/catalog.html

[Landlocked Dive Nut]

Here is the link to the YouTube video on the Lion Tamer device



And, a link to their web site:

http://www.liontamerusa.com/

And, to satisfy the new request for educational data, here is my factoid:

The largest species of lionfish can grow up to 0.4 meters, or 15 inches, in length, although on an average their length is about 0.3 meters, or 1 foot. An adult lionfish can weigh up to 1.2 kg, or 2.6 lbs. And the lifespan of the lionfish in the wild can be around 15 years, on an average

[Parrotman]

Here is the link to the YouTube video on the Lion Tamer device



And, a link to their web site:

http://www.liontamerusa.com/

And, to satisfy the new request for educational data, here is my factoid:

The largest species of lionfish can grow up to 0.4 meters, or 15 inches, in length, although on an average their length is about 0.3 meters, or 1 foot. An adult lionfish can weigh up to 1.2 kg, or 2.6 lbs. And the lifespan of the lionfish in the wild can be around 15 years, on an average

I like it. That would be much more manageable than the big spear. Good price as well.

[Bubbles]

Very interesting factoids. Following this thread over the last couple of days has been very educational, however I need to avoid reading this information too close to bedtime....Last night I kept having vivid dreams about giant lionfish!

[Hipshot]

There have been at least four lionfish toxins identified: a protein-based toxin (the primary toxin); acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter--slows heart rate); a neuromuscular toxin; and a non-protein toxin. Because the primary toxin is protein-based, application of hot water to the stung area will cause the protein to break down.

I can testify second-hand to the effectiveness of hot water. A friend had a marine aquarium that contained a lionfish. When he was cleaning the tank he accidentally stuck his finger with a lionfish spine. Frantically he called me and I instructed him to go into the bathroom and immerse his hand in the hottest water that he could tolerate, and that I'd be right over. When I got there, about 20 minutes later, it turned out that there was swelling along his finger, but it came to an abrupt stop at one point. Within a week his finger was back to normal. Postscript: About a week later, the lionfish died, prompting all kinds of jokes about who was really toxic.

Rick



The only difference between me and a madman is that I am not mad. - Salvador Dalí

[Parrotman]

Very interesting factoids. Following this thread over the last couple of days has been very educational, however I need to avoid reading this information too close to bedtime....Last night I kept having vivid dreams about giant lionfish!

Beth, Your too funny! Go back and read Joe's story about his 100th dive and maybe that will give you something funny to dream about!

[Bubbles]

Very interesting factoids. Following this thread over the last couple of days has been very educational, however I need to avoid reading this information too close to bedtime....Last night I kept having vivid dreams about giant lionfish!

Beth, Your too funny! Go back and read Joe's story about his 100th dive and maybe that will give you something funny to dream about!

Okay Jim, now you are talking more about nightmares instead of dreams!!! Just kidding Joe

[ThatJoeGuy]

Hmmm factoid... Oooh, some dope wrote a song about lionfish hunting.

To the tune of Johny Cash's "Hurt"

I hunt again today
to see what I can kill
I focus on my aim
your life I mean to steal
the spear punches a hole
your fins would sting
but I kill you anyway
so you can't eat everything
what have I become?
my deadly foe
everywhere I go
your kind are sown
and you would eat it all
turn coral to dirt

I will hunt you down
I will make you squirt

Your spines hurt more then thorns
lurking in your lair
broken balance brought
I cannot repair
before the red of spines
the fish all disappear
you are everywhere
I have my spear

what have I become?
my deadly foe
everywhere I go
your kind are sown
and you would eat it all
turn coral to dirt

I will hunt you down
I will make you squirt

if I could start again
a million miles a way
I would keep you out
I would find a way.

[scubajunkie6]

Hmmm factoid... Oooh, some dope wrote a song about lionfish hunting.

To the tune of Johny Cash's "Hurt"

WOW!!! ....very creative writing re lionfish and what a song by JC!!!!! What a combination when you listen/read. WOW.

[WreckWench]

I THOUGHT THE SAME THING...SO YESTERDAY I BECAME A DEALER FOR THEM!!! The first batch are on their way and will be to me by Monday. I will set up an ordering thread for anyone that wants one. The price will be $34.95 + $5 shipping and handling. I am VERY excited! And unlike other options most operators will let us use these as they are not true spears which are usually banned.

Here is the link to the YouTube video on the Lion Tamer device



And, a link to their web site:

http://www.liontamerusa.com/

And, to satisfy the new request for educational data, here is my factoid:

The largest species of lionfish can grow up to 0.4 meters, or 15 inches, in length, although on an average their length is about 0.3 meters, or 1 foot. An adult lionfish can weigh up to 1.2 kg, or 2.6 lbs. And the lifespan of the lionfish in the wild can be around 15 years, on an average

I like it. That would be much more manageable than the big spear. Good price as well.

[scubajunkie6]

Good job Wenchie on becoming a dealer!!! I can't see YouTube at work, but was able to see the news video of the product. Looks quite manageable to use. Is there any restrictions/concerns about putting it in luggage for trips?

Here's today's factoid:
There are also no known parasites, which leaves more energy and time for growth and reproduction. In fact, if a lionfish is infected by a parasite for some reason, they have the ability to shed their own skin to remove the parasite!

Oh My.

[WreckWench]

No limitations in your CHECKED LUGGAGE. And mostly no limitations with boat operators although that is subjective as are the countries allowing Lionfish to be killed by non-dive staff. However as was discovered on this past trip...if we are PRUDENT and CAREFUL the boat capt generally allows us to do just about anything we want...including kill lionfish so chances are VERY GOOD you'll be able to use them on our trips! -ww