Email from an Ichthyology Professor (fish doctor)

The following is an email sent by Tony Sapp to his old Ichthyology professor-

Hey Dr. Vives,
My name is Tony Sapp.  I had you for Ichthyology way back in 2002  I think.  I have started diving and spearfishing off the coast of Fla. and Ga.  I was wondering if you know any negatives about eating the fish off our coast.  Additionally, I am mainly concerned about the Atlantic Spadefish.  Mainly, I believe their diet consists of jellyfish, but I didn’t know if you may know any other information about the fish.  We have seen SEVERAL Lionfish while diving on artificial reefs… I think that little fish may be a problem for population balance in the future.

Dr. Vives reply:

I don’t know of any reason not to eat spadefish, I have seen a couple of references saying the flesh is excellent. Beyond not eating puffer (toxins) or too much mackerel (mercury) I don’t think there are many dangers. Off the coast of Florida some barracuda are known to cause ciguatera.

Yes the Lionfish are everywhere now, from Bermuda to the Carribean and other islands. Would be good to shoot all that are seen, just don’t get stuck. Some people react strongly and some don’t, and if you are down deep, that’s the last thing you want to find out.

Glad you’re having fun chasing the fishes.”

Dr. V.

Stephen P. Vives, PhD
Department Chair and Professor
Georgia Southern University
P.O. Box 8042
Statesboro, GA 30460-8042