The lionfish, found in the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, South Africa and east of Sumatra, has now made its way to the Aegean Sea, particularly in the sea region of Rhodes. It first appeared in the summer of 2015 after it got into the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal.
The Hydrobiological station of Rhodes of the Greek Center of Sea Research issued an announcement on the appearance of the tropical fish Pterois miles, common lionfish in the Aegean Sea.
The station warned that the fish’s venomous spines inject a powerful protein-based toxin in their prey. Citizens, especially fishermen, were informed to be cautious.
Its population is known for rapidly multiplying and for this reason is listed as an invasive species.
Fished with nets in January 2016 at the shallow waters of Faliraki beach and then at Lindos, both specimens are on display at the Rhodes Aquarium. Last year, the presence of the Diadema setosum sea urchin and invasive pterois miles (lionfish, also known as devil firefish) were pinpointed in the region by the “Waterhoppers” Diving School and the “Yellow Submarine” Glass Bottom Boat.
Despite the problems it causes, the lionfish is suitable for human consumption and is also very tasty.