Small, slow green lion-fish pack a big poisonous punch

By Susan Scott

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Aug 27, 2012

~~<p>When I recently led several California friends on a short swim to see an endemic green lion-fish, the fish made me look good. There it sat in clear water and morning sun, practically posing for pictures.</p>
<p>Swimming directly to a small, camouflaged fish impressed my friends, but it was easy. The area where we snorkeled has a World War II-era metal shaft driven into the hard bottom. I have no idea what the original purpose of this rod-in-the-reef was, but it belongs to the ocean now. Algae growth makes the piece look like it's wearing a fuzzy brown sweater, and bits of coral stick out like mismatched buttons.</p>
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When I recently led several California friends on a short swim to see an endemic green lion-fish, the fish made me look good. There it sat in clear water and morning sun, practically posing for pictures.

Swimming directly to a small, camouflaged fish impressed my friends, but it was easy. The area where we snorkeled has a World War II-era metal shaft driven into the hard bottom. I have no idea what the original purpose of this rod-in-the-reef was, but it belongs to the ocean now. Algae growth makes the piece look like it's wearing a fuzzy brown sweater, and bits of coral stick out like mismatched buttons. Login for more...