Lionfish - Alien Invader of the Atlantic Reef

NOAA describes the Lionfish who have been seen in the waters of the Atlantic & Caribbean as an "invasive species" or " alien invader". 

Invasive Species—a species that has been transported by natural processes or human activities, either intentionally or accidentally, into a region where it did not occur previously, and reproduces and spreads rapidly into new locations, causing economic or environmental harm or harm to human health (from Executive Order 13112 on Invasive Species).

Alien Species—any species, including its seeds, eggs, spores, or other biological material capable of propagating that species that is not native to that ecosystem (from Executive Order 13112 on Invasive Species). Also called an exotic species, non-native species, non-indigenous species or introduced species.

These little invaders have been found everywhere from New York down to the Bahamas.  Other invasive aquatic species include the European green crab, Asian eel and zebra mussel.  Although these are also termed invaders, they have not begun to degrade the ecosystem as the Lionfish has.  My next post will wade into the aquatic ecosystem to find out what experts are saying about the effects this invader is and could have.