The lionfish is one of the most beautiful marine inhabitants of the reef. This was sighted for the first time in 2008 on the island of Providencia, as it is a non-native species of this area, it has been worthy of being investigated due to its voracious appetite, which puts other marine species on the reef at risk.
It is about eighteen inches long and when swimming with its long, colorful fins outstretched it has a very graceful appearance.
During the day it can often be seen upside down hiding in rocky ravines and is always still or moves very slowly clinging to rocks.
Lionfish are often found in groups of 4 or 5 fish and are known to feed on small animals.
It is very common to find it at night while it feeds on molluscs that live hidden under the sand.
If you want to see it on San Andrés Island when diving, it is quite likely that you can do it since its population already numbers in the thousands in the area, although this is a being of spectacular beauty you should not touch it at all.
Remember! Not touching anything underwater is still one of the main rules for divers and snorkelers.
The lionfish and its mysteries
In the dorsal fins there are spines that contain poisonous glands that make this fish one of the most dangerous and feared by divers.
In case of contact you should call the doctor, rinse the affected part in salt water, –never in fresh water then immerse the affected area in very hot water with an approximate temperature of 40ºC-45ºC for an hour or more and you must remove the thorns from the skin with tweezers and disinfect the area.
A danger worth photographing under the sea
It is more difficult to photograph this beautiful animal in front of you, as it is extremely elusive. If you manage to run into it, keep a safe distance and take a good photo of this admirable fish due to its colors.
The lionfish is one of the members of the great variety of poisonous fish of the Scorpaenidae family.
Also known as Peruvian fish, dragon fish, scorpion fish and stone fish, this animal of peculiar beauty is native to the Indo-Pacific region.
They are known for their huge dorsal spines and stripes of red, brown, orange, yellow, black, or white.
Voracious predators, when hunting, usually catch their prey with their spines and, with quick movements, swallow them whole.
In what areas of the sea can we find lionfish?
As I told you at the beginning, this fish is already found in the ecosystem of San Andrés Island and it is also possible to find it in the Atlantic Ocean.
This fish can live up to 15 years and weighs approximately 200 grams. It is nocturnal. It feeds on small fish and normally only eats them alive. When they live in captivity, they are usually used to eating frozen shrimp.
The lionfish: an intimidating fish
The intimidating appearance does justice to the animal’s danger. But do not worry! Our team of professionals will keep you at a safe distance so that you can enjoy the beauty of this animal.
Lionfish venom is inoculated through spines located in the dorsal, pelvic, and anal regions. It generally has 12 or 13 dorsal, 2 pelvic and 3 anal spines, each spine has two glands that produce and store the poison.
Lionfish also have pectoral spines, but these do not have poison glands.
The potency of the poison varies depending on the species and size of the lionfish. The main effects are severe localized pain followed by swelling at the site, which can make the victim feel nauseated, dizzy, muscle weak, short of breath, and have a headache.
If you have photos of the lionfish taken during your visit to San Andrés Islas, share them with us on our Facebook profile or tag us on our IG: @Divers_Team_San_Andres_Islas
