![Michael Gäbler [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3ACommon_lion_fish_Pterois_volitans.jpg)
Michael Gäbler [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Lionfish
Alternative Names: zebrafish, firefish, turkeyfish
Monterey Bay Recommendation: Lionfish is a "Best Choice." When you buy lionfish, you're helping to prevent the spread of this invasive species in U.S. waters.
Uses in Cooking: These are best deep fried or grilled. One popular dish is lionfish throats, where the pectoral fins are battered and fried.
Similar Fish: The meat is similar to flying fish or sculpin, but this fish is extremely unique.
Description: The bright white meat flakes easily. It is soft and delicate. The flavor is deep and pronounces, but not off-putting.
Fun Facts: This Asian invader was released into the Gulf of Mexico through the pet trade and has since proliferated widely. It is a voracious eater and decimates the population of small reef fish from Florida to Central America. It has venomous spines that inflict a painful sting and in some rare cases, can cause death.