Lionfish VERSUS Grouper

[@danielawesome36]

We did it, boys. We taught the natives to fight back the aliens.

[@cerveau_6834]

You clearly didn’t read the message at the end lol

[@caleb7055]

Just like we did a long time ago

[@MeAndTheBoys_]

Build that wall!!! KEEP 'EM OUT!

[@augustusnero382]

​@@MeAndTheBoys_ Cringy ass comment

[@127Foxtrot]

I for one think teaching native predators to eat these damned Lionfish is the lesser of two evils, if not actually not a problem at all...

[@anorman95]

Lionfish: I will sting you Grouper: I like spicy food

[@frankmiller95]

After winning the Carolina Reaper pepper eating contest in San Antonio, three years running, the lionfish was nothing special for that grouper.

[@mikenolan1889]

the grouper killed it with the first hit swallowed it in the 2nd

[@hafiz7581]

@@frankmiller95 nahh. Maybe just because the grouper comes from chinese lol

[@Patrick3183]

The grouper has some level of intelligence and reasoning ability ...u can tell it is analyzing the lion fish

[@JoviaI1]

If you observe animals long enough you will notice that nearly all of them do. Almost like it's a necessary thing for survival...

[@UnbreakableRukawa]

I always circle and stare down my mcnuggets before decisively munching into them. Survival instincts.

[@gryxll7164]

Can I get 5 subs for no reason Certain shapes can be more troublesome to handle than others this is true. Then there is the dreaded unchewable gristle filling in some that you gotta spit into a napkin.

[@rabbit0664]

Patrick3183 So true. Noticed it myself.

[@starrychloe]

Patrick3183 - animals are smarter than people give them credit for. Certainly not rational but intelligent nonetheless.

[@nightshade4166]

It looks to me like the Lion Fish went to the surface and turned upside down so that it could use the surface for protection. Theres alot of intelligence being displayed here on both parts. The Grouper was clearly analyzing the Lion Fish for any opening to attack. The Lion Fish used multiple different defensive stratiges , one to use the ground to protect its underside when that diddnt seem to deter the Grouper , it swam to the top and tried to use the surface. The Lion fish might have came to the conclusion that if it was close to the surface it might deter the Grouper because many fish wont swim that close to the surface but as shitty luck would have it. Hungry Grouper Gives no Lion Fucks.

[@TheScottie1040]

The grouper was going for a head shot. That way he wouldn't have to deal with the spines. Watch the Lionfish, he's constantly turning away from the grouper and putting his spines out. Good to see that Lionfish have some natural predators.

[@Chrisbell804]

thanks for being smart too

[@jungleno.]

Not so. The grouper is going for the belly.

[@cobaltbluestickman5557]

Like a snake going headfirst when it's dining on its prey.

[@GrandRiserOfficial]

So how did he stun the lionfish?

[@alexv1190]

The grouper is smart to know about the spines in the first place

[@maxwells2602]

It was clear to me that the lionfish was herded by the grouper. The grouper went right in between the rocks and lionfish and came out as soon as the lionfish began to move out into more open water.

[@GrandRiserOfficial]

The grouper knew that the rocks gave lionfish advantage, it helps cover lionfishs head. Too bad lionfish left it

[@mynamesjudge]

@@GrandRiserOfficial How is it too bad? A native species got a meal from an invasive species that has no known predators.

[@theidiotindisguise2263]

ever since i learned of these things being invasive im all for eradicating them. humans got to ruin everything assuming were the cause of this.

[@Arielelian]

It's fascinating that both fish seem to understand the tactics of the other and they're both trying to capitalize on their strengths while exploiting their opponent's weaknesses. The lionfish knows to keep its barbs in the grouper's face and knows it's best strategy is in exploiting the grouper's slower turning radius. The groups knows how to maneuver the lionfish into a strategic location and position where it's most exposed, while avoiding the venomous barbs. The downside is that they both seem to be in a stalemate and it'll likely come down to who makes a mistake first or who tires out first. The grouper seems to be exerting the most energy, so it may tire out first. But the grouper only needs one opening, which means the lionfish can't err at all.

[@ROHDEOOO]

I have worked with herd animals all my life(cows, sheep, horses, etc.). IMHO, that grouper herded the lion fish out and away from the reef to get it in the right position so he could go at it headfirst without any interference. Amazing behavior, he was so deliberate about it.

[@glennmiller9768]

Yup.

[@dianebays5484]

I totally agree. It sure looked that way to me. I'd love to know how the grouper felt about a half hour after. They didn't stick around and ask it. Damn!

[@bearcat648]

Yeah, I'm surprised that there was any controversy that this was an example of herding. Though, granted, I'm not a marine biologist. :-)

[@russg1801]

It has to be instinctive behavior for a reef predator to get its target out in open water where it can't dive for cover. Yeah, the stalking was deliberate but once he struck that filthy varmint was toast. Or sushi, take your pick.

[@Camphreneas]

Jean Rohde I actually never thought of it that way! It kinda does look like the grouper is herding the lionfish to make its move!

[@vegasrenie]

That was obviously not that grouper's first rodeo. Its hunt had all the hallmarks of experience.

[@kevinblock4276]

nope that grouper has done that a time or two

[@jestes7]

There's always a first time though right? Who knows

[@_Diego_]

vegasrenie To quote ian malcolm "nature uh uh finds a way"

[@gryxll7164]

Fish can be given the same test that causes them pain one way they swim and rewards them the other way hundreds of times and they will still go the way that causes pain almost as consistently due to fish brain. If the instinct to do something isn't hard wired into their DNA then the likelihood that they will learn something new is slim.

[@haseo8244]

After all it is targeting the head of the lion fish. The second grouper was watching but clearly submission to the first.

[@haxorusimp2980]

Grouper: Have you heard of Poseidon? Lionfish: Yes. *Turns around* Now, go away.

[@mmlindsey8635]

YUPP

[@fleetothewilderness7037]

"Life, uh, finds a way."

[@jmowreader9555]

You guys are worried about the grouper dying from lionfish venom. Don't be. Lionfish venom only works if it's injected - it can be eaten without hurting the eater because stomach acid destroys it. The grouper very carefully lines up the lionfish so the spines can't poke him before he eats it. Having said that, lionfish are not easy for groupers to eat (they have to be eaten head-first, and the lionfish knows to turn to the side when that's about to happen; the grouper knows better than to eat one who's turned to the side) so most groupers won't do it.

[@sincerelybalie]

Is that why the grouper kind of herded it towards the top of the water? So that the lionfish doesn't have a place to hide and once it reaches the top it has no choice but to turn around and once he tried to do that, the grouper bit its head? that's my observation...

[@Rowow]

Correct.

[@vonderfaak6357]

The same rule is applied to almost every poisonos animal, it's a given. It's like me pointing out that the majority of underwater creatures can breath underwater, but there are a bunch that can not.

[@Darling137]

Not a good example, but ok.

[@evanherrera7182]

+Darling137 right lol

[@maxcapital8570]

I am so glad these nuance lion fish finally meet their match, they Eat all my favorite fish on the Reef , and the thing breed like Rabbits.

[@7thSmurf]

1 lionfih QUEEN = 2 MILLION EGGS ! and they dont stick ..they float with the current.. so ..teh carribeans are pretty much fucked UNLESS..we make it into a video Game .with drone robots controlled per internet .

[@gabrieldecio4399]

Groupers are SO intelligent! Plus I love all those beeps from the divers' computers complaining about rising too fast.

[@russg1801]

Lionfish: "You can't hurt me; I've got all these venomous spines!" Groop: "Yeah...whatever....Gulp!"

[@coltbyrne2043]

it's good to see a predator of the lion fish down in the Caribbean... something has to eat them and keel the population in check. heck they shouldn't even be there. I love fish but invasive species wreak havoc on the environment

[@aolcom-nl9qb]

Colt Byrne Yeah, go Groupers, so maybe because of their relations to the Groupers that live in the Indian Ocean and the connected areas hose Groupers may all be given instinctive behavior to understand the defenses of the Lion Fish and get them for food evading the defenses of the Lion Fish.

[@Patrick3183]

Sorta like people

[@Michigan91090]

+Colt Byrne Lionfish should be all over the menus in the Caribbean. Some places have started to this but it needs to be more widespread. If it became a popular and sought after meal humans could wipe them out in no time with no fishing regulations. When we vacation in the caribbean and I encounter them, they are dinner that evening.

[@MrCooL-yt7kz]

Michigan91090 ??? Why are you scared of lionfish ? Still reading those fish stories ???

[@shaneflack8295]

They are an invasive species in the Caribbean. They don't belong there. They are killing native species. Plus they are tasty.

[@dianebays5484]

Definitely feel the grouper is sizing it up. Plus, the lionfish knew full well what was about to happen. This needs to happen more and more to control that invasive species.

[@pal98111]

The predators are learning how to deal with them.

[@IslandAtheist]

Must be the schooling.

[@PaterTenebrarum1]

Most are reportedly home schooled.

[@NathanChisholm041]

Slowly their learning they are tasty! I've eaten them and they are fantastic. Firm sweet white flesh but difficult to prep.

[@MeAndTheBoys_]

@@NathanChisholm041 Firm, young white flesh is always the tastiest. But grooming it in the first place, thats a whole other story, lemme tell ya!

[@PrimalurgesMiami]

This is encouraging. If groupers take a liking to lion fish they look like simple enough snacks that no one will miss. Big groupers swallow spiny lobsters whole which are a lot harder and thornier than lionfish so if they're not bothered by the venom this will be interesting.

[@2011blueman]

Sadly groupers alone won't fix the issue. Lion fish reproduce at an amazing rate and also consume smaller fish at unsustainable levels. In the Caribbean they're essentially like a virus (e.g. ebola).

[@tommoore2012]

@@2011blueman It's not just Groupers though. Eels and sharks have also been seen eating Lion Fish.

[@Azureneedle]

Grouper: Ayy boy, you got some pretty fins. Lionfish: Sir, please stop following me or I'm going to call the sea police. Grouper: lmao. You're in my kitchen fuccboi.

[@detrajones615]

Azureneedle the grouper does look like the bully in this scenario

[@chinabrown88]

The grouper was clearly trying to figure out when to make its move. It was looking for the right spot and opportunity.

[@TheLittleTanooki]

@Dave Smith technicallly it ate it head first so the spine couldn't expand easily inside and poking the inside of the grouper, yes i agree that it's a gamble for the fish swallowing a whole lionfish

[@ArtyMars]

It’s kind of impressive how well the lion fish dances around to avoid getting its face bitten off, constantly has its back and spines reoriented to protect itself

[@ryeckley7267]

That lion fish was so beautiful, was in full defensive mode,,I did not think the grouped would annihilate the way it did in the end.

[@davidevans3175]

Lionfish to self: "I have no known natural predators, I have no known natural predators, I have no known natural predators, I have no known natural predators, I have no known natural predators"

[@dingfeldersmurfalot4560]

Go Go Grouper! Nice to see them doing it naturally.

[@alikhan7903]

What a clever little fish, he was going round and round like aircraft dogfight.

[@Titus-as-the-Roman]

Not sure what specie of Grouper this is but it greatly resembles the Red Groupers I often catch in the north-eastern Gulf. By my experience with the several Grouper species caught over the years the Reds are by far the most aggressive, and if there's a food resource to be exploited they will usually find it. A fellow we used to fish with once dropped a camera while Red fishing to watch their behavior, their behavior was to stop with our bait and proceeded to try and eat the camera, fortunately none of them were very big and the camera was retrieved without any damage.

[@eligebrown8998]

That grouper definitely hearded that lionfish out into the open.

[@ricmotta2495]

To me it is quite obvious that a little of both was going on, but mostly it was the grouper dictating where/when the real attack would happen. At first the grouper just got the lionfish moving. Once he saw the pattern (likely more than I saw, keeping back to predator and not swimming in reverse), it was a matter of manipulating him off the floor to add angles. Notice the grouper stays mostly low until the lionfish elevated. Watch when the lionfish is going forward vs when the grouper is going forward. The lionfish did not want to leave the cover of at least one wall/floor. Also, notice when the grouper changes elevation up and down vs when the lionfish does it. Once it got in the open, it did for a short bit head towards the surface, possibly (not as sure of this) thinking of it as a surface to cut angles. Again, which creature is advancing in which directions at which times clearly shows the grouper controlling the positioning and options for the lionfish. The lionfish w/should have never left cover of the rocks near the bottom, with 2 sides protected, it would have been easy to defend itself there.

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

the grouper and barracuda are both formidable predators who know how to keep the flock in check and clean up their yard.

[@puffthemagicdaddy5761]

This is a amazing discovery. Groupers and other predatory fish are learning how to hunt them with out getting harmed.

[@NathanChisholm041]

Give it time others will follow like the Barracuda

[@surfstarcc1]

He's like a professional fighter looking for an opening.

[@gingercox6468]

The grouper is clearly looking for the best way to bite it.

[@billalbritton4972]

Head first

[@weldonpinder7295]

All that time for a lion fish. Ive never seen a grouper swim that far to the surface thats crazy

[@lorenz2781]

it shows why the lionfish are so invasive. The grouper took 3min of direct combat and roughly 20m of water depth to eat this one lionfish due to its poisoned barbs which it uses effectively.

[@lolanakahale1665]

2:30 me figuring out how to eat durian

[@alan30189]

The ban on grouper fishing and grouper population recoveries in many areas, are huge keys to controlling the invasive lionfish, especially in deeper waters where lionfish are known to survive, where divers don't go to as much, as well as in coral reefs. Here the grouper seems to be trying to get in front of the lionfish, to eat it head-first, but couldn't. The lionfish kept turning away in full defense mode, fins out, trying to make itself look too big. Finally the grouper hit it from the side, stunning the lionfish somewhat, before eating it from above.

[@eugenesteenhuisen4065]

Excellent footage. Clearly the Grouper knew what to expect from the Lionfish.

[@kenb.8596]

This is obviously a good sign, now Man, Cuda, & now Grouper are praying on this evasive fish, restaurants can't get enough of them, Cuda luv them & Grouper learning the trade, hopefully this will keep the locals fed & the growth in check. Now all we need done is let some King Cobras loose in the Everglades, their go to is Pythons, LOL

[@BiffSarin]

OK, anyone who trolls this video's comments suggesting that it shows anything other than a VERY interesting interaction between these two species is a wingnut. I was PARTICULARLY fascinated by the fact that the Lionfish instinctively knows to keep its dorsal spines (the area where it has the highest concentration of poisonous barbs) toward the predator. Absolutely enlightening piece of video!

[@robertpoole9786]

Wow..that grouper actually showed signs of real intelligence the way it maneuvered around the Lionfish..

[@darrenkrehoff5200]

Predation on lionfish SHOULD be encouraged. If you don't understand why, there's no need to comment.

[@1houroflove186]

At first it seemed like this was one of those "Puppy dog loves baby" videos, then "BAM" the grouper ate the Lionfish.

[@4Mikes4Mindset4]

I was just about to ask. No surprises anymore

[@osheaferrero7758]

That for sure looks like a hunt by a predator to me. Interesting how it pushes the Lion fish almost all the way to the surface before it strikes. As if maybe it disorientates the Lion slightly... cool vid

[@Nothaut]

That's gonna be one spiny shit tomorrow

[@suneethak7436]

Once the lionfish hit the surface, it was disoriented enough for the agile grouper to just attack from any angle

[@PwonedFTW]

Grouper: Sir, excuse me sir! Do you have a moment to talk about our lord and savior Poseidon? Lionfish: No, go away Grouper: Say less

[@skzion2]

Actually, I've been told that divers train groupers to eat lionfish. They give them samples, and the groupers follow the divers. Eventually, the groupers become self-directed. In Cozumel lionfish have become rare in the upper waters. Rumor has it they stay low now during the day.

[@HomesteadOnThePreserve]

Amazing, the Lionfish knows it's only poison spines are on it's back. Just as amazing, the grouper knows that too!

[@maxwells2602]

Feeding lionfish to predators might cause aggressive predator behaviour at that moment, but it might also cause predators to begin hunting lionfish. However, this should only be done by divers sufficiently skilled at it.

[@xobkizum]

What happens if the group got pricked by the barbs? Does it get paralyzed or die?

[@davidhewett1484]

That grouper knew exactly what he was doing. That was fun to watch.

[@Morgan-oq7uj]

Are there any recent lionfish videos? All these seem to be a few years old. I wonder how the population has changed by now.

[@BenhngHupHoe]

I do agree on the grouper's ability to take the lionfish by the head. It has learnt it somehow. Amazing

[@senseisauce6508]

That was awesome. That's one smart lionfish, keeping its back faced toward the Grouper the whole time. So once it strikes it gets a taste from its back spikes.

[@pvhep4036]

+Dumle Barikuma Not that smart.. cuz it was eaten! Good to see , the grouper and barracudas figuring out how to eat those invasive lionfish.

[@predstoric]

+PvhEP how is it

[@pvhep4036]

I am doing good, thanks!

[@JamesKing2understandinglife]

I wish the video included at least 30 seconds after the grouper had swallowed the lion fish. What did the grouper do immediately after his stinging bite full? Great video.

[@trbig67]

He didn't get a stinging bite. He swallowed it head first which folds the spines down against the lionfish's body. nearly every fish has spines of some sort and predators know this and eat them headfirst.

[@bobtimmy5457]

trbig67 it looks like he ate from the tale tho

[@jordir.8750]

That grouper had experience doing it...

[@simonjones3863]

Looks like a very effective stun attack, the Lionfish immediately turns belly up, and the grouper just swung around and gulped it. Those spines didn't help for long.

[@russg1801]

Male Groop comes out at 1:27: "Relax, Sweetie, I'll handle this!"

[@Dave-Rough-Diamond-Dunn]

Fish that swallow other fish whole, only swallow them head first. So the grouper was trying to line up to grab the head, and the lionfish keep turning to keep it's head away from the groupers' line of sight. Predators like the grouper might grab or hit a fish side on, but just so they get a chance to grab the head. Which is how he got the lionfish in the end, with a quick knock to mess up its routine for a split second so he could grab the head.

[@arycogito]

avnj was right lmao. the lionfish was obliterated

[@michaelanderson5747]

Herded it upwards, knew the lionfish would eventually have to turn around to swim down. As soon as it turned, pow, grouper lunch. Pretty clever.

[@scottwins2]

Did those spines kill the grouper from the inside later?

[@maple1844]

Look at how the lionfish is keeping his lethal spines toward the grouper, keeping his unprotected underside away from the grouper

[@TonyWhite22351]

The second PSA was on screen “forever “ whilst the last one was on screen for less than five seconds !

[@Handleyman]

The grouper clearly understands that the only weak spot on the Lion Fish is its head. Very clever.

[@MetaView7]

the spikes do not affect the groupa?

[@stevenphelps7929]

Groupers are a serious predator. OMG! Awesome footage ..

[@almirria6753]

that Grouper has learned how to hunt lionfish & worked it to a point where it could have lunch

[@shanty6953]

Lionfish univeristy, dam theres some smart ass lionfish.

[@sschoenly1]

It’s pretty clear this sort of encounter happens often between these two species. The lion fish keeps its spiny back to the grouper for protection. The Grouper doesn’t attack until the lion fish exposes its underside. Maybe the lionfish tide is turning as the predators get smarter?

[@mtl-ss1538]

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[@itsazazell5549]

Here's something no one seems to be talking about. The grouper seems to be bedding. Go back and look at the fanned out hole where we see the lion fish under the rocks.

[@MichaelBrown-ny3et]

You can tell the lion fish is trying not to let him take him headfirst. Barracuda just says screw it and eats it.

[@victorjuf6220]

Was the beeping an alarm for ascending too quickly?

[@joenewlin4935]

Grouper risks open water attack from corraling the lion to surface. In the same sense it was the only safe way to find the chink in armor. I bet someone showed it how to do it(human). They are delicious to eat and thats all the grouper needed to know!! Good boy

[@gabrieldecio4399]

From the video, it looks like the lionfish was not injured or in any way affected by divers. Is that correct? If so, this is a great evolutionary development, for Caribbean groupers are learning to do what groupers in the Red Sea and Indian Oceans have been doing for millennia.

[@voltshocker09]

Note to self, make sure you keep your stingers lefty and righty facing your target.

[@Bob_Suruncle]

So does the grouper die from eating that thing?

[@TheGreatslyfer]

It's like a game of chess. Each one fighting for position in order to not be vulnerable to the opponent's attacks.

[@TheHellSpawn000]

Bigger question is Did the grouper survive eating the lionfish?

[@jmowreader9555]

Groupers often prey on lionfish.

[@shaunmcgregor2653]

It looks like they've learned to eat them head first to not get stuck by the spines

[@chanel2famous904]

No it would get poisoned and die

[@twitchster77]

Stuck up jerk. Hopefully someday you can fall off your high horse and realize you don't have to be such as ass to people.

[@TheHellSpawn000]

FarAwayInABlueGalaxy hes off curing cancer one comment at a time to feed his ego, he cant. if you told him he is dumber than a plastic bag holding a fire he might blow a blood vessel though. I could have said something to make him look like a clown but hes doin just fine on his own lmao

[@CrowPal]

You can hear the grouper stun the lionfish with that amazing mouth, twice. Then it gets time to manoeuvre around it. What surprises me is, the grouper seems to suck the lionfish in tail first. It seems to know what it's doing though.

[@mikec.9379]

I just can't get enough. Keep the videos coming!

[@robohippy]

I was wondering if the 2 grouper were working together to herd the lionfish out into the open. I would say that for sure the 1 was herding....

[@tomlathrop4094]

why do the spines not sting the inside of the grouper?

[@lulo1328]

I have seen this in the Caribbean: what is happening is that the lionfish keeps turning its back spines to the grouper; the grouper want to go for the head of the lionfish so he can eat the lionfish head first so he can't be stung.

[@floridahuntsman7915]

That was awesome. Wow the implications are astounding. We need more vídeo .

[@joemackey8859]

I hate how he keeps trying to silence the bubbles as if they are gonna listen to all his shushing.

[@laughtoohard9655]

The Lionfish did everything it could to keep the spines pointed at the Grouper. Obviously the grouper didn't allow the spines to inject venom/poison. It appeared as though the Grouper was attempting an underbelly or front on attack.

[@christopherwilson9140]

I think it was a back and fourth where the lionfish eventually ended up in the open. So did the grouper live after that? I imagine the lionfish spines can do a number on internal organs.

[@pamelaflirtyskunk7698]

I'm no expert but it most certainly looks like the grouper is using strategy and herding that lionfish out into the open.

[@uio890138]

Lionfish: "Fuck, he's not buying it!"

[@residentrump3271]

Lionfish: Don't mess with me! I have venomous spines! Grouper: You mean those french fries? B@tch please! Lionfish: Wait a minute! I'll...ARRRRRRGGG!

[@riparianlife97701]

You can tell by the grouper's hesitation that this isn't the first time it's eaten a lionfish. That has gotta hurt.

[@BrucesClips]

Lionfish strategy: "I cant get eaten if I pretend he's not there."

[@mcpower116_lI]

I heard that the spines still work even though they were already dead. Then, Can groupers or sharks be dead or damaged by the spines when the lionfish is in the stomach?

[@nikiTricoteuse]

I'm 100% certain that grouper herded that lion fish into the open so it would be easier to get at its head. Now all the groupers need to do is learn to hunt them in packs. 😊

[@rhyanlumilay6317]

Lion fish: Oh there's a hooman! Help Imma swim towards you! Human: Go grouper Go! Catch it!

[@derpfrog5625]

2:27 "LOOK AT ME BI***! WHAT!.. YOU THINK, HEY! i'm talkin to you!

[@svenreimus5810]

Did the grouper survive?

[@rogermoore770]

won't it get stung in its mouth throat or belly? what about when it needs the bog

[@CrimeaRiver]

Looks about as comfortable as eating a christmas tree.