Lionfish

After colonizing Bonaire within the past 8 or 10 years, the population of invasive lionfish that we see on local reefs seems to be dropping.  This may largely be attributed to a very aggressive campaign by some certified "lionfish hunters" to remove every lionfish that they encounter (or that they hear about).  A few local restaurants feature lionfish for dinner. 

At any rate, it is a nice change to not see lionfish on virtually every dive and every dive site.  In our 3rd week of diving, we have only encountered 3 lionfish.  That's progress!

The lionfish is native to the Indopacific region, and spread here through escaped specimens from the aquarium trade in the SE United States.  Without natural predators in the Caribbean, it has spread rapidly.  And having not evolved together, juveniles of local species are vulnerable to being lured in by the lionfish fins (which they may mistake for shelter) then eaten. Undoubtedly, the lionfish that are inhabiting depths below safe diving limits are still there.  But it's great to only rarely encounter them.

Below are three views of a lionfish that was 6 inches long.  Photos were taken at a depth of about 50 feet.

Below are three views of a juvenile lionfish that was about 2 inches long, nearly transparent.  Photos were taken at a depth of about 20 feet.