Invasive red lionfish near rigs in Gulf

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Red lionfish n a popular saltwater aquarium fish native to the Indian and western Pacific oceans n have been seen near rigs off of Louisiana.

LSU AgCenter associate professor Julie Anderson tells The Advocate they were spotted in September and October. She says they were also seen this fall off of Mississippi and Alabama.

They’ve been an invasive species of concern along the eastern Atlantic Coast and parts of Florida for several years.