How much could I get for a wild lionfish?

M

ManEatingShrimp

AC Members
Jan 28, 2012
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I am in the keys for a week and yesterday while snorkeling at the beach I found a small lionfish. I know they are invasive so I caught it and brought it to the shore. I did not want to just kill it but I could not think of something better to do. It was too small to eat and I am not sure if any pet store down here would want one since they are such a pest. I see online they go for $30-100 but I am guessing it is because of shipping and maybe less common lionfish.
If I found a fish store here do you think I would get anything for a lionfish? I hate destroying the fish when it could serve a better purpose like food or a second chance as a pet. If I find another should I try to find a fish store?
 
Put it up on Aquabid. But keep in mind that collecting might require permits and such...I know there's a been a push recently for more aquariasts to get FL lions to help reduce the populations. I wouldn't expect to get much for it, unless you take the time to quarantine it and get it eating prepared/frozen foods.
 
No permit is required for taking lionfish in Florida. Not much of a market for them in Florida but they do fetch about $15-$50 (depending on size and species) in northern states.

Andy
 
I am just visiting so I don't have the opportunity to quarantine or even keep one alive for very long. Anyone know if there are even fish stores in the keys?
And I doubt there are any restrictions on lionfish since they are dangerous to the native wildlife.
 
Google maps, as in maps.google.com, filter for pet stores. Easier if you do it from a GPS enabled smart phone.
 
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