Lionfish are an invasive fish in our oceans. They are located in the Indo-Pacific region, Western Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico. They are found on coral reef, shipwrecks, artificial reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and hard rock bottoms. Lionfish have 18 venomous spines that can cause painful injuries. A lionfish sting can cause extreme pain, sweating, respiratory distress, and even paralysis. However, eating the flesh is not venomous once the spines are removed.
Moreover, due to their population growth, they are invasive, feeding on prey normally consumed by snapper, grouper, and other commercially important native fish, causing additional stress on coral reefs. These fish have now become the hunted amongst fisherman/commercial fishermen because they are vital in protecting the ecosystem.
Below I painted a mixed media painting depicting the lionfish. In this colorful depiction, I wanted to highlight the lionfish as he swims through the reef hunting the longnose butterfly fish.
New Painting: "Now I'm the hunted"
