LIONFISH

The lionfish is a striking reef fish originally from the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is known for its striped body and long, fan-like fins. The fish hunts mainly at night, feeding on small fish, shrimp, and crabs. It uses its fins to herd prey and quickly suck them in. Its spines contain a powerful venom that protects it from predators. Lionfish reproduce rapidly: females lay thousands of eggs per week, which are spread by ocean currents.

Since the 1980s, the lionfish has become an invasive species in the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and more recently, the Mediterranean Sea. It has spread very quickly due to a lack of natural predators, high reproduction rates, and larvae that can travel great distances. It is considered one of the most successful invasive fish species in the world.

The ecological impact is significant: it consumes large numbers of young native reef fish, which can lead to the collapse of local fish populations. This results in excessive algae growth, damage to coral reefs, and loss of biodiversity.

That is why I created a sculpture of a lionfish skeleton. The skeleton symbolizes the destruction and death the lionfish brings to ecosystems where it does not belong.