As a third-year Marine Biology student, I've had the privilege of learning about this magnificent creature, Pterois species.
I would like to share with you some facts I've learnt about Pterois species, better know as Lionfish.
1-Lionfish entice smaller prey by their feathery pectoral fins. This in addition to the fish's colouration keeps predators away.
2-There are up to eighteen venomous spines on the back of the lionfish. These spines are utilised primarily as a self-defence mechanism, not for hunting.
3-Lionfish species are more on the small side and vary from species to species. The largest size of any recorded lionfish is 13 inches.
4-Lionfish is a strict carnivore, they only eat meat!
5-The lionfish doesn't have many natural predators but its three main predators are eels, large fish and humans.
6-The reproduction rate of lionfish is insanely high which directly impacts the development of reefs and other marine environments. Over 30,000 eggs are released by females weekly.
All is not lost when it comes to these invasive species; us humans can do derbies (fish catching competitions) and also consume them to limit their impact on the environment.
Yea they are edible. There are videos on youtube about how to clean them properly for eating. Alot of people eat them, as they are highly nutritious. The fish is proven to have a much higher concentration of heart healthy Omega 3 fatty acids, than many other fishes.