The lion fish is a species native to the lndo-Pacific. It is also a common aquarium fish that is thought to have been released from home aquariums and since become invasive to the Atlantic and Caribbean. Lion fish have also been recently spotted near Brazil. These fish, although quite beautiful, are a threat to coral reef ecosystems. They have no known predators, huge appetite and high reproductive rates, which together can be potentially devastating to native species and coral habitats. Their range is increasing in the Southeast Atlantic and there are some efforts to curb this expansion into more territories by trapping them or even serving them on the menu.
     I personally was drawn to the lion fish as a subject, to highlight the fact that invasive species exist not only on land, but in our waters. It is a great reminder that there are always consequences to our actions when it comes to nature.