Story highlights
Lionfish are invading the Atlantic ocean, reproducing quickly and consuming local fish
Scientists predict this could turn into an environmental disaster
To curb the booming population, people are hunting and eating the prickly venomous fish
The clear waters around Bermuda are as picturesque as you can imagine, and the brilliantly colored fish swimming around are like something from a crayon box. But a serious problem lurks behind the beautiful facade: the lionfish.
Lionfish are not native to the Atlantic Ocean. The venomous, fast reproducing fish are aggressive eaters and will consume anything and everything, gorging so much they are actually getting liver disease. With no known predators – except human beings – they can wipe out 90% of a reef.