Scorpionfisch

Scorpionfish can be found around the island of Cyprus, although they are not often spotted by divers as they are masters of camouflage. They are usually between 5 and 20 cm long, although some species can grow to 50 cm and weigh up to 2 kg. They are bottom dwellers, mainly found in rocky areas. Scorpionfish are sluggish fish that cling to the bottom as they have no air bladder and are found at depths of 2 to 200 metres.

They generally live as solitary creatures, camouflaged and waiting for their prey to approach. They feed on molluscs, crustaceans and fish.

The hard rays of the first dorsal fin and the spines of the gill covers are venomous. Symptoms of stinging include localised pain, swelling and redness at the site of contact, fever and difficulty breathing. It is therefore advisable to seek medical attention after contact.

Lionfish – nice to look at, but dangerous

Lionfish are actually native to the tropics and the Red Sea. They migrated to the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal a few years ago. Since they have no natural enemies here, they can reproduce unhindered. And they do so diligently: each female lays up to 30,000 eggs – every two days! This makes them an omnipresent threat to the native inhabitants: lionfish are optimally camouflaged by their spotted colouring and are among the most successful hunters in the Mediterranean.

They grow up to 40 centimetres, have poisonous spines and are spreading rapidly in the Mediterranean: Lionfish, also called lionfish. An EU-funded project has now declared war on the poisonous fish, which destroy coral reefs and decimate other fish species. Now the battle has been declared against the fish, so that they are useful after all. more »