World
Deadly colorful, lionfish invading Venezuela
(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-09-08 09:51
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 A lionfish swims in a fish tank at a pet shop in Caracas September 7, 2010. The brightly colored tropical fish has venomous spines in the dorsal fin and is said to be among the most venomous fish on the ocean floor. Six lionfish, which are native to the Indian Ocean, were accidentally released into the Caribbean in 1992, when an aquarium in southern Florida was destroyed by Hurricane Andrew. Lionfish, which are believed to threaten native marine wildlife in Venezuela and the livelihoods of coastal towns dependent on fishing and tourism, have since been detected in at least 30 locations across the country since July 2010, triggering alarm among experts. [Agencies] |