This poster for the general audience teaches what the lionfish looks like, where its native and non-native habitats are, and reasons why they are a threat to a healthy ecosystem in the Atlantic.
It is most probable that the first red lionfish introduced to the Atlantic Ocean were exotic pets or displays. They either were released into the ocean by a pet owner or from an aquarium exhibit suffering damages from a hurricane. The population of red lionfish has exploded since the early 1990s, and in some parts the population has grown 10 times in few years. The red lionfish is now one of the most common fish to be seen in the affected areas of the Atlantic.
One way to help control the lionfish population is to catch them and eat them. There are numerous restaurants that are beginning to serve lionfish.
Another way to control the lionfish is to train wild sharks to develop a taste for the lionfish. Although the lionfish has venomous fins, Some predators have learned to eat them without getting too much damage.
When drawing fish, I make sure to get the overall shape and the lateral line correct. Then I add the fins and face, then the details. Since lionfish varies in shape and color from individual to individual, I studied a number of different photos of different lionfish in different natural poses to create an idealized specimen.
This poster is an example of layering images and text to maximize the use of the art area to pack as much information as possible without getting busy.
If you would like to discuss more about creating your custom illustration similar to the one you see on this page, please contact Studio Kayama.
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