Whole Foods is now selling fresh lionfish in seafood departments, hoping to take a bite out of the non-native, invasive species hurting Florida's offshore reefs.
Starting Wednesday, 26 Florida Whole Foods stores began selling the whole delicate white fish for $8.99 a pound through May 31. The fish will be priced at $9.99 per pound starting June 1.
The economically-priced fish, which has 18 venomous spines, is safe to consume once the spines have been removed. "Once caught and placed on ice, the lionfish physically cannot release venom from the gland, ensuring safe consumption for shoppers," says the release. The flesh is not poisonous.
The grocer's seafood staff received special training to properly remove the spines, according to the release.
