Lionfish in Belize: The Beautiful Predator Destroying Our Reefs
- Craig Densham
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
A Stunning Invader Beneath the Waves
If you’ve ever seen a lionfish while diving in Belize, you know how mesmerizing they are — graceful fins, bold stripes, and a hypnotic sway that makes them look more like floating art than living creatures. But behind that beauty lies one of the Caribbean’s most dangerous invaders.
The lionfish (Pterois volitans and Pterois miles) is an invasive species that’s wreaking havoc on Belize’s coral reefs. With no natural predators in this region, these exotic fish are rapidly multiplying and devouring reef life critical to coral survival.
How Did Lionfish Get to Belize?
Lionfish aren’t native to the Caribbean. They come from the Indo-Pacific, where larger fish naturally keep their populations in check. But sometime in the 1980s, they were released — likely from home aquariums — into Atlantic waters. Within decades, they spread across the Caribbean and arrived in Belize’s reef system, one of the most biodiverse marine habitats on Earth.
Today, they’re found from Ambergris Caye to Placencia, hunting among coral heads and mangrove roots — and leaving devastation behind.
Why Lionfish Are So Destructive
Each lionfish can eat up to 20 juvenile reef fish per day — everything from parrotfish and wrasse to tiny snappers. These small herbivorous fish are essential to coral health because they graze on algae that otherwise smothers coral polyps.
When lionfish eat too many reef grazers, algae spreads uncontrollably, blocking sunlight and oxygen — essentially suffocating coral reefs. The result?
Fewer colorful reef fish
Weak, algae-covered coral
Collapsed food webs
Diminished reef tourism and diving experiences
In heavily invaded reefs, native fish populations can drop by up to 90% — a staggering loss that ripples through the entire marine ecosystem.
Belize Fights Back: Conservation in Action
Thankfully, Belize is leading the Caribbean in lionfish control — and Ocean Breeze guests are part of the story.
Just off the coast of Placencia, our conservation partner Reef Conservation International (ReefCI) operates on Tom Owens Caye. Each week, volunteers and divers join forces to:
Identify and remove lionfish during supervised dives
Collect scientific data on reef health
Support coral restoration and species recovery programs
ReefCI’s work doesn’t just protect coral reefs — it empowers travelers to take direct action for the ocean. Many of our guests at Ocean Breeze Beach Resort begin or end their volunteer week with ReefCI, returning inspired and transformed.
Turning the Problem Into a Plate
One of the most creative solutions to this invasive crisis is culinary conservation. Lionfish, it turns out, is delicious — white, flaky, and similar to snapper or grouper. By making lionfish part of the menu, Belizean chefs are helping reduce their numbers and raise awareness.
From lionfish ceviche to grilled lionfish tacos, ordering this fish supports reef conservation one bite at a time. At Ocean Breeze, we proudly encourage guests to try lionfish at local restaurants — because saving the reef never tasted so good.
What You Can Do to Help
Whether you’re diving, dining, or just relaxing on our beach, your choices make a difference:
Eat lionfish — every meal helps reduce the population.
Join a ReefCI week — dive for conservation on Tom Owens Caye.
Use reef-safe sunscreen — protect coral from harmful chemicals.
Support local NGOs — like SEA Belize and Fragments of Hope.
Stay eco-conscious — book with resorts (like Ocean Breeze!) committed to sustainability.
A Reef Worth Protecting
Belize’s barrier reef — the second largest in the world — is a living wonder, home to over 500 fish species and 100 coral species. It protects our shores, supports communities, and inspires travelers from around the world. But it’s under threat — and every diver, volunteer, and traveler has a role to play.
By joining Belize’s fight against the lionfish invasion, you’re helping ensure our reefs remain vibrant for generations to come.
Learn More About Our Conservation Story
Explore more about how we’re protecting Belize’s coast, community, and coral reefs:
Guardians of the Coast: Why Protecting Belize’s Mangroves Matters More Than Ever Learn how mangroves protect our shoreline and why development rules matter.
Crocodile Research Coalition: Protecting Belize’s Wetlands & Wildlife Ocean Breeze guests can visit the Crocodile Research Coalition (CRC) in Placencia — a fascinating eco-tour where researchers study and protect Belize’s coastal crocodile populations and mangrove ecosystems.
Ocean Breeze partnered with ReefCI several years ago, and we’re proud to host many of their volunteers and guests.
Plan Your Eco-Adventure
Experience the perfect balance of comfort and conservation: Stay at Ocean Breeze Beach Resort in Placencia, then dive with Reef Conservation International to help protect Belize’s reefs firsthand. Together, we can turn the tide — one lionfish at a time.
About the Author
Craig Densham is the owner of Ocean Breeze Beach Resort, a boutique seaside resort in Placencia, Belize. With years of local experience and a passion for hospitality, Craig loves helping guests discover the best of Belize — from hidden beaches to authentic local cuisine. Follow Ocean Breeze Beach Resort on Facebook and Instagram for travel inspiration.
