#turkeyfish

[marinememes]

Today is Wet Beast Wednesday THANKSGIVING!

Today’s wet beast is: Turkeyfish

Olive’s Wet Beast Fact: Also known as the Lionfish, this invasive and venomous fish was originally from the Indian Ocean, but is now a highly invasive species destroying Caribbean reefs. What a good metaphor for the holidays.

Stay tuned for more Wet Beast Wednesdays!

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Aquarium

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Zebra Lionfish | Dendrochirus zebra

[snartha]

Ibex/Turkeyfish hybrid, a request from one of our patrons on Patreon!

[pikaole]

Lionfish

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[oceanportal]

Today is turkey day! 

And while the poultry gets all the fame and glory don’t forget about the turkeyfish, also known as the lionfish. Not only are these guys causing havoc as invasive species in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, they are also pretty tasty. Here’s one of our favorite ways to prepare the turkeyfish—cause you know you can only eat so much stuffing and cranberry leftovers. 

Castaway’s Wreck Diver-style Lionfish

Courtesy of Erin Spencer and Castaway Waterfront Restaurant and Sushi Bar in Marathon Key, Florida

Ingredients:

42 ounces lionfish fillets, patted dry

flour (for coating)

5 cloves garlic, diced

2½ cups chopped tomatoes

5 tsp. capers

1/2 cup white wine

1/4 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice

2 T. chopped fresh basil parsley or kale for garnish lemon wedge for garnish

Preparation: Dredge fillets in flour to lightly dust. Place in sauté pan with small amount of hot butter over medium heat. Cook first side, careful not to burn. Turn over fish when golden, and reduce heat while adding garlic, tomatoes, capers, white wine and lemon juice. Cover to hold steam in and cook until fish is fork-tender. Add basil and serve immediately. Garnish with a sprig of parsley or kale and a lemon wedge.

More lionfish recipes here.

Photo credit: © Erin Spencer

[yeshers]

Lionfish have a color pattern that may be used to warn potential predators. If this coloration pattern isn’t enough, they also have dorsal, anal, and pelvic spines which are supplied by a venomous gland and can be deadly. When threatened, they will turn their body to the side and use their needle-like spines for protection. If the predator is unlucky enough to touch one of these spines, venom may be injected and can cause intensely painful wounds that can lead to convulsions, paralysis, and even death. 

Lionfish, also known as turkeyfishes or zebrafishes, are an incredibly invasive species. Scientists believe that six Indo-Pacific lionfish swam into Florida's Biscayne Bay after their home aquarium broke during Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Hobbyist may have released more as they outgrew their tanks, resulting in the invasive lionfish problem we face today. There are hundreds of these invasive lionfish in the Gulf of Mexico and their distribution is spreading. 

Without any natural predators to regulate their population, lionfish continue to thrive, displacing and out-competing native marine species. 

What can you do to help?

Never release any non-native animal into the environment. This includes both domestic, terrestrial, or land animals and marine animals. 

Do your research prior to choosing a pet to ensure that you can care for them properly for the duration of their life. 

If something arises that will impede upon your ability to care for your pet, please reach out to your community to locate a new home for your pet.

If you encounter an invasive species, report it so that scientists can track these sightings.

Participate in a Lionfish Derby.

Purchase lionfish meat from your local grocery stores and/or restaurants.

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