Florida officials have banned lionfish breeding as the state fights to keep the invasive fish species at bay.
Possession of lionfish eggs and larvae have been outlawed, while bringing the non-native fish into Florida can be punished by a year in prison and a $1,000 fine, Reuters reported.
The striped, colorful lionfish has few known predators and is native to the Indian and Pacific oceans. Florida wildlife officials are concerned that the invasive species will wipe out fish that are native to the Sunshine State.
"Every change that encourages removal is a step toward successfully limiting the negative impacts lionfish have on native fish and wildlife," Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Executive Director Nick Wiley said in a statement quoted by Reuters.
Lionfish have spread from Florida to North Carolina and to the Bahamas. While an estimated total population is not available, a United States Geological Survey database has more than 4,000 lionfish sightings since 1985.
Florida changed wildlife management rules in July to encourage efforts to capture lionfish, which can now be taken by spearfishing.
The striped fish of red, brown and cream was first detected off the coast of Florida 25 years ago. The venomous creature has spread rapidly through the area due to its lack of predators in the Atlantic as well as its ability to reproduce year-round, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Earlier this year, Florida officials introduced an app called "Report Florida Lionfish" intended to help locals report sightings of the fish.
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