Yes, lionfish can be eaten by humans. Once the venomous spines are carefully removed, the flesh of lionfish is safe and delicious to eat. It has a firm, flaky texture and a pleasant flavor often described as buttery or similar to shrimp or lobster. Lionfish can be cooked in various ways such as frying, baking, steaming, and making ceviche. Eating lionfish is also encouraged as a sustainable practice to help control the invasive species that threaten native marine ecosystems. The venom is only dangerous if injected through the spines, and cooking deactivates any venom, making the meat safe to consume. However, caution is advised when handling and preparing lionfish to avoid injury from the spines. There is some debate about the risk of ciguatera poisoning, but lionfish from most areas are considered safe to eat if sourced carefully.
