Fact Friday

Lionfish

Although lionfish are native to the Indo-Pacific, they are an invasive species that has established populations in the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. These fish pose a threat to marine ecosystems, as they have few natural predators and a voracious appetite. They are difficult to eradicate because of their large unchecked populations, their ability to hide, and venomous spines.  

Photo Credit: Andrew Bruckner

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Banded Sea Snake

November 3, 2023

Banded Sea Krait

Do you know that the banded sea krait contains a neurotoxin in its venom that’s one of the most lethal in the world? Sea snakes spend most of their time in the water. Sea kraits are not true sea snakes because they spend a lot of time on land digesting food and nesting. Sea kraits differ from their cousins on land because they have a paddle-like tail used for swimming. They hunt eels and other small fish that live in the coral reef, easily fitting into the reef’s crevices. They use their deadly neurotoxin to paralyze their victims before swallowing them whole.

Photo Credit: Ken Marks