Red lionfish

Photo: Dan Schofield · CC BY

Red lionfish are an Indo-Pacific invasive species that have established themselves across the Caribbean since the early 2000s, and Radar Reef hosts a sizeable resident population in the reef's crevices and overhangs. Each venomous dorsal spine delivers a protein-based toxin that causes intense pain in humans but does not threaten life, though it is entirely effective against native prey fish which have no evolved avoidance response to this predator. Dive operators at Cayman Brac conduct regular lionfish culls and divers are encouraged to report sightings as part of active management efforts.