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Top scientists are warning about an impending invasion of a poisonous fish into South Florida's waters.
The lionfish, a native of the Pacific Ocean, is both gorgeous and dangerous. Many people may have never seen a lionfish in the waters surrounding Florida, but that will soon change.
Scientists don't use the word "invasion" lightly, but that's exactly what they are predicting of the exotic-looking lionfish.
The poisonous tips on the lionfish's fins could present a danger to people who swim, dive or work in South Florida waters.
"There is no anti-venom for this," said Lad Akins, executive director of Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF).
"They're also very bold fish, especially in this new Atlantic range where it appears that they have few, if any, predators," Akins stated.
Lionfish have no predators because they do not belong in the Atlantic Ocean. There is nothing here to eat them or stop them from eating Florida's reef fish.
When lionfish grow too big, aquarium owners begin dumping the fish right into the Atlantic Ocean.
Now they are breeding at a rapid pace, experts said.
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