HOLIDAY WARNING: Deadly Lionfish with power to cause HEART FAILURE invade Mediterranean
A DEADLY species of fish capable of killing humans must be controlled as it spreads across Europe, experts have warned.
The fearsome Lionfish hunt in predatory packs
The Lionfish, also known as the Devil Firefish, is a ferocious predator capable of breaking down the ecosystem of a coastal region.
And their 18 potentially deadly poisonous spines are capable of causing excruciating pain and death in humans.
Other symptoms include paralysis and necrosis – the process by which flesh dies while attached to a body.
Scientists have warned more needs to be done to stop their spread across Europe
One of the aggressive predatory fish was spotted off the coast of the Italian island of Sicily
Now scientists have warned more needs to be done to “take action and to promote control measures” to stop the Lionfish spread across Europe.
One of the aggressive predatory fish was spotted off the coast of the Italian Island of Sicily, which can draw approximately 15 million tourists each year.
A report into the rise of the fish population claimed: “Recently, clear signs of numerical increase emerged, raising concerns for an incipient Lionfish invasion
Their poisonous spines can cause excruciating pain and even death
It added: “The drastic consequences of the Lionfish introduction in the western Atlantic Ocean should be taken as a severe lesson of the possible consequences of a population explosion… in the Mediterranean Sea.
It comes as scientists grapple to maintain European ecosystems as migratory animals spread across the globe.
Naturelovers are being urged to help in the war against an invasive Asian hornet which kills honey bees.
The Asian variety was first confirmed in mainland Britain last September when a nest was found in the Tetbury area of Gloucestershire.
Lionfish have been spotted in tourist regions like Sicily and Cyprus
Now there are fears the pest could reappear this spring.
The Environment Department has launched an app, Asian Hornet Watch, that can be downloaded to smartphones to help identify and report infestations.
The Asian species, which is smaller than native European hornets, pose no greater risk to human health than bees.
Martin Smith, of the British Beekeepers’ Association, said: "This new app launched today by Defra is a welcome addition to current reporting methods that have enabled beekeepers and members of the public to report possible sightings.