While there have been previous Lionfish (Pterois volitans/miles) sightings in Belize, no sightings have been confirmed further south than Turneffe Atoll. Until yesterday.I just received this image (above) of the first confirmed report of a lionfish sighting at Glovers Reef, Belize. The sighting was documented and photographed on January 21 at 3:30 PM by Kitty Katzenberger from Isla Marisol at a dive site called Midway, half way between Southwest Caye and Middle Caye on the east side of Glovers. Approximate location is 16.35 N and 87.78 W. The fish was 5-6 inches long and was sighted just at the drop off at about 50 feet. According to Kitty her efforts to capture the lionfish were unsuccessful and it is still roaming the reefs out there.
This is the third reported sighting of Lionfish in Belize. Looks like it's time to break out the fish nets!
Check out some of my previous ruminations on the ecological implications of the expansion of invasive Lionfish in the Caribbean.
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