Worse than the jellyfish, the venomous and voracious lionfish will soon invade the Mediterranean Sea

Lionfish are particularly venomous. ILLUSTRATION MAXPPP – Sebastien JARRY

The arrival of lionfish, a venomous and invasive marine species, in the Mediterranean Sea worries scientists. They could land on the Côte d’Azur before the end of the decade. 

It is venomous, voracious and invasive: the lionfish could invade the Mediterranean Sea and more particularly the beaches of the Côte d'Azur within five years, report our colleagues from France Bleu Azur. 

The threat was raised during a public debate at the Mediterranean University Center in Nice on Tuesday March 13. It would be caused by climate change and the lack of predators. 

Also called "lionfish", the lionfish has no other predator in the Mediterranean than man. A voracious predator, it could be responsible for the disappearance of a large number of fish, some species of which are already in great danger of extinction. 

Already a threat in Brazil

The lionfish is a very stinging species; you should not take it in your hand. Its long venomous spines constitute a plume that can recall the mane of a lion, hence its name.  Its stings are very painful and can even cause discomfort and exceptionally be fatal for humans.

However, scientists point out that it could be fished and cooked, and has the advantage of having a fine taste and being "really very good" to taste. 

 The arrival of this species is not only a French problem. As explained Courrier International , Brazil is already fighting to prevent lionfish from destroying its coral ecosystem.