🎥 Watch the recap:
September had it all at Deerfield Beach Pier—turtles of every size cruising past the camera (one even gave the dome a stare-down) and a full-on lionfish saga: we started with one, ended with three, and the DFB dive crew stepped in for removals. PSA: never dump invasive species into the ocean.
Highlights
- Turtle close-ups: multiple passes, including a head-on “who’s watching who?” moment.
- Lionfish sequence: sightings increased during the month; dive crew conducted removals; later, another lionfish appeared—monitoring continues.
- Fan-favorite cameos: lookdowns, moonfish, scrawled & orange-spotted filefish, sharpnose puffers, and more.
Species Seen in September
Atlantic spadefish • Biat • Barracuda • Bar jacks • Black margate • Blenny • Blue runners • Blueheaded wrasse • Blue striped grunt • Brown chromis • Burr • Chubs • Crevalle jack • Doctorfish • Eagle ray • French angel • Grunts • Lionfish • Lookdowns • Mangrove snapper • Mojarra • Mutton snapper • Nurse shark • Ocean surgeonfish • Orangespotted filefish • Porcupine puffer • Porgy • Porkfish • Queen angelfish (juvenile) • Rays (southern & yellow) • Regal demoiselle • Remora • Scorpionfish • Scrawled cowfish • Scrawled filefish • Sergeant major • Sharpnose puffer • Spot tail • Snook • Tarpon • Tomtate • Turtles • Yellow jack • Yellowtail parrotfish
Missing this month: Spanish hogfish • sheepshead • trigger • highhat • octopus • soapfish • dusky damsels • permit • pompano • planehead filefish • lemon shark • hammerhead • smooth trunk • grouper • rainbow parrotfish
Why the Lionfish Story Matters
- Invasive impact: Indo-Pacific lionfish prey on juvenile reef fish, compete with native predators, and reproduce quickly.
- Local action: Targeted removals help protect native communities. (Regulations and methods vary by jurisdiction; trained divers follow local rules and humane practices.)
- What you can do: Never release aquarium fish; report lionfish sightings through local programs; support sanctioned derbies and research.
FAQs
What happens to removed lionfish?
Practices vary by team and permitting. Common outcomes include humane dispatch (per local rules), handoff to researchers, or consumption where allowed. The goal is to reduce ecological impact.
Is it safe to handle lionfish?
Lionfish have venomous spines. Handling should be done only by trained personnel using proper tools/PPE.
How are species IDs added to the video?
Community notes plus editor overlays—great for learning fish families, shapes, and markings.
How to Follow Along
- Subscribe to email updates for monthly recaps and live highlights.
- Comment with species you spot (timestamp helps!).
- Share the PSA on invasives to boost awareness.
