Invasive lionfish found in Gulf of Mexico off Texas coast [Video]

The red lionfish are indigenous to the west Pacific Ocean, but they’re starting to pop up off the Texas coast. It’s believed that the takeover started in Florida when aquarium owners released them into the Gulf.

The lionfish, while beautiful, is aggressive and venomous and has no natural predators in the Gulf.

TPW said it has become a major pest and is causing ecological and economic damage.

The lionfish boom has reduced the number of local fish like juvenile grouper and snapper, shrimp and crab species. They can also completely strip reefs.

How big are lionfish?

Lionfish can grow to be up to about 18 inches.

How deep do lionfish swim?

Lionfish prefer to live near reefs in depths between 10 to 175 meters, according to TPW. They camouflage themselves well at …