
The lionfish (Pterois volitans) is native to the Indo-Pacific. The initial introduction to Florida in 1985 was likely from an aquarium. Lionfish have since spread, with fish occurring throughout the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. The northern limit of adult lionfish is North Carolina. Juvenile lionfish are reported sporadically in New York and New England in summer, likely brought north by the Gulf Stream. While these sparse occurrences in NY likely have little to no impact on local ecosystems, in the southeast, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico, where lionfish are well established, they have caused dramatic environmental and economic impacts.
Description
How to identify lionfish:
Elongated dorsal fin spines,
body is cream/white with red/brown vertical stripes,
Length up to 48 cm
Habitat and Distribution
Lionfish are native to the Indo-Pacific but introduced populations exist along the east coast of the U.S. (primarily between Florida and North Carolina), in Bermuda, the Caribbean, and the Gulf of Mexico. They have occasionally observed in summer in New York and New England. They can occur in a variety of habitats, including those with natural or artificial structures (e.g., coral reefs, shipwrecks) and unstructured bottoms.
Spread

It is thought that the initial introduction to the East Coast of the U.S., was through an aquarium escape or intentional release.
Impacts
In New York, juvenile lionfish have sporadically been observed in the summer months. It is thought that the reported fish were carried north by the Gulf stream. Their impacts in New York, while unknown, are likely minimal. However, In the southern U.S. and Caribbean, where introduced populations of lionfish are well-established, their presence has dramatically altered ecosystems causing ecological and economic impacts.
Economic
Lionfish presence can reduce the populations of commercially important fish species
Ecological
Predation: Lionfish cause impacts to coral reef communities, consuming a wide range of fish and invertebrates.
Competition: Lionfish can outcompete native species for food.
Habitat Change: Through consuming high densities of herbivorous fishes, macroalgae can grow to levels that negatively impact sponges and corals.
Species Regulation
The lionfish is a regulated species under New York State Invasive Species Regulation 6 NYCRR Part 575. Regulated species cannot be knowingly introduced in a free-living state or introduced by means that one should have known would lead to such an introduction, although such species shall be legal to possess, sell, buy, propagate, and transport.
How You Can Help

Clean, drain, and dry your watercraft and equipment thoroughly before visiting other waterbodies.
Inspect and remove debris and mud from boats, trailers, and equipment.
Dispose of all debris and bait in trash cans or at disposal stations.
Drain all water-holding compartments including live wells, bait wells, and bilge areas. If possible, visit a decontamination station and disinfect compartments with hot water (140°F) for at least 30 seconds.
Dry boats, trailers, and all equipment before use in another water body. A minimum of 5–7 days of drying time in dry, warm conditions is recommended.
Do not dump aquarium contents in any waterbodies, drainage ditches, or sewers.
Use certified bait that is non-invasive and disease free.
Learn how to identify lionfish and report any encounters.
If you think you have found a lionfish:
DO NOT RELEASE IT ALIVE.
Take several photos of it from different angles and dispose of the specimen.
Email the photos, noting where it was caught (coordinates preferred), to [email protected], OR
Submit a report through iMapInvasives
Additional Resources
National Estuarine and Marine Exotic Species Information System - information on marine and estuarine invertebrates and algae introduced to the United States - species profile lionfish