14 DAY TRIAL // Lionfish are native to Indo-Pacific waters, which is why wildlife researchers aren't exactly thrilled about the fact that this species appears to be thriving in the Atlantic Ocean.
Divers investigating marine biodiversity close to Florida's coastline claim to have stumbled upon lionfish not just towards the water's surface, but also at considerable depths.
More precisely, they say that numerous lionfish, some of which measure up to 16 inches (40 centimeters) in length, now populate the remains of a ship resting at a depth of 300 feet (91 meters), close to Fort Lauderdale.
Live Science explains that lionfish came to inhabit the Atlantic Ocean after being released in these waters by people working in the pet trade.
Specialists fear that their presence in these marine environments will greatly damage local ecosystems, seeing how the species is known to have an impressive appetite and feast on almost any living creature that happens to cross its path.