Lionfish VERSUS Grouper

Lionfish may be beautiful, but their arrival in Caribbean waters was disastrous for marine life in the area. This rare footage of a grouper fighting it out with the venomous fish is tense and weirdly beautiful!
Original Video: • Grouper/ Invasive Lion...
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[@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

[@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.

[@missunderstanding357]

🤣

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@haxorusimp2980]

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

[@mmlindsey8635]

YUPP

[@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!

[@russg1801]

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

[@fleetothewilderness7037]

"Life, uh, finds a way."

[@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 .

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@alikhan7903]

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

[@gabrieldecio4399]

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

[@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

[@dingfeldersmurfalot4560]

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

[@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.

[@lolanakahale1665]

2:30 me figuring out how to eat durian

[@eligebrown8998]

That grouper definitely hearded that lionfish out into the open.

[@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!

[@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

[@Nothaut]

That's gonna be one spiny shit tomorrow

[@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"

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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. 😊

[@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

[@mikec.9379]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@HomesteadOnThePreserve]

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

[@christinnascreations9072]

Woo hood go Grouper 👍!

[@davidhewett1484]

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

[@pvhep4036]

Amazing footage!

[@uio890138]

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

[@MrLanternland]

Nice work, Groupy!

[@floridahuntsman7915]

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

[@shanty6953]

Lionfish univeristy, dam theres some smart ass lionfish.

[@robertpoole9786]

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

[@tadhghayden8440]

interesting strategic battle between two species..happy to see lion fish have met their match!!

[@koronbinfield3829]

dude! your dive computer was going mental!

[@russg1801]

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

[@MrDhandley]

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

[@DrVektor]

Wonderful capture. Specially upside of water scene was beautiful.

[@TheGreatslyfer]

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

[@BrucesClips]

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

[@komatozecollector9475]

YAY GROUPER !! Almost looks as if he was afraid it was going to breach and fly away.

[@melted_cheetah]

Grouper: Watch this humans. I'll show you how it's done...

[@theoriginalamvgirl]

That other fish: Umm, excuse me, but, you’re in my house. Lion fish: Oh, right, sorry, man . . . * Makes for the surface * Grouper: * Following * Dun-dun-dun-dun . . .

[@noahway13]

If two grouper worked together, it would be even quicker. Maybe they will catch on. Great video.

[@almirria6753]

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

[@CrimeaRiver]

Looks about as comfortable as eating a christmas tree.

[@maple1844]

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

[@stevenphelps7929]

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

[@BenhngHupHoe]

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

[@hokaroorvana6507]

Groupers seem like a fish you just generally don't want to fuck with

[@determined2win16]

The sounds from that diver was reminding me of the Yuri lipski video. Be safe my friend thnx for sharing the video.

[@derpfrog5625]

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

[@joeschmo7145]

It flushed the lionfish out of it's hiding place with a teammate haha nice

[@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.

[@russg1801]

The Groop had opportunity to munch that filthy varmint any time he wanted. Lionfish be like: "You're not the boss of me!" and the groop be like: "This better taste good 'cuz it sure looks like crap!"

[@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.

[@midnightsstar8864]

Wow I wish there were more footage !

[@MasterYota1]

Great video!

[@robertlafnear4865]

I was analyzed by a large Grouper in 50' of water in COZUMEL... I had a hidden bag of fish parts...... then HE HAD a bag of fish parts and all I remember was ...... he hit me like a PRO Football Linebacker,.... was not best day of diving but I have some great photos of the takedown.... I started flying lessons when I got home and put down the Tanks.... 1985.

[@suneethak7436]

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

[@brunostudley2191]

The grouper wanted a head first attack and the lion fish knew this

[@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.

[@richardthiele8363]

Grouper: “Um yummy....dessert.”

[@voltshocker09]

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

[@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!

[@robertmrivera]

Great to watch how the lion fish keeps its head away from the grouper. Groupers like to eat head first so that is goes down easier

[@phishfearme2]

that lionfish knew it was in trouble - note how it tries and tries to keep it's poisonous dorsal fins towards the grouper. great to see the grouper win but I bet it has a sore mouth and/or belly

[@victoryoneable]

The dance of death ends swiftly.

[@rhyanlumilay6317]

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

[@dillhole4603]

DAMN VIDEO BOMBING DIVERS!!!! Beautiful video before the hams showed up. I bet the camera guy was pissed!!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@BudaKhan420]

Both fish were on their game but the grouper proved to be smarter

[@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.

[@funape742]

Apparently lionfish are great eating I've never tried it but wouldn't mind giving ita go

[@FuckGoogle2]

That lionfish panicked, getting out in the open where it could be attacked from every angle was a bad move, or maybe it found god and was moving towards the light...

[@thenerdbeast7375]

I'm glad to see native predators are finally fighting back.

[@rsacchi100]

Amazing video. Clever grouper.

[@4DTrue]

Now imagine if these specialist groupers got into the natural environment of the invasive lionfish, and we'd have the same situation but backwards :P

[@mynamesjudge]

I think fish are smarter than we give them credit for.

[@AdventureswithLandon]

And this is why the Nassau Grouper is a protected species.

[@busybillyb33]

I didn't think the lionfish would fit in the grouper mouth. It looked too big to swallow.