How to fillet a lionfish w/ going to E-room

[Bottom Feeder 67]

With the reports of lionfish in the waters off NC, does any one know how to safely fillet one. I read they are good to eat, but I also know that some of there spines are poisonous. Again I'm not sure which ones are and which ones are not?
Thanks for the info

Bottom Feeder_67

[clt_capt]

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-lionfish.htm



A lionfish, alternatively called dragon fish, scorpion fish, or turkey fish, is a venomous tropical marine fish noted for its long, separated spines. Lionfish is not a single fish species, but rather incorporates many species of the family Scorpaenidae. Many people enjoy the appearance of lionfish, which are often brightly colored and striped, making them popular aquarium fish. Lionfish are often striped in some combination of brown, red, yellow, orange, black, and white.
Lionfish are native to the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, but also live in coral regions of the Eastern Atlantic and the Caribbean. They tend to live around crevices and caves, where they spend most of the day. Lionfish are thought to be nocturnal. They are active predators with quick reflexes that feed on smaller fish. They use their poisonous spines to subdue their prey before swallowing it whole.
Though lionfish are relatively easy to care for as pets due to their hardiness, the possibility of being stung by their spines makes than an impractical choice of aquarium fish for many people. The sting of a lionfish is quite painful and often accompanied by swelling. Systemic symptoms consistent with shock can also occur, including dizziness, hypotension, shortness of breath, nausea, headache, and muscle weakness. Tissue necrosis at the site of the sting is rare, though possible. No deaths have been reported in humans as a result of lionfish venom.
The severity of lionfish venom varies according to the size and species of the fish. A lionfish sting can be treated with heat. Immersing the affected area in hot water, about 113° Fahrenheit (45° Celsius), for 30 to 40 minutes can alleviate the pain and swelling.
Lionfish is edible, and though it carries venom, preparing it safely is not difficult. This is because the venom is contained in the spines, rather than in the internal organs of the fish.

[Patudo]

Snipping all the spines off with a pair of cutters might help make the fish "safe".

[Glenn W]

I'm no expert on Lionfish other than being an avid marine aquarist in another life. The Lions of the Carolina Coast are Volitan Lionfish--- as stated above popular for aquarium enthusiats ( that's how they got on the US east coast). Anyway, I've never been hit by a Lion but know two people that have. They both said it is the most intense pain you can imagine. The swelling will be tremendous and a burning pain will shoot all the way up your arm for at least 24 hrs. One of the guys that got hit had to have his wedding band cut off due to the swelling.
Suit yourself, and I wouldn't care if they tasted better than milk from an angel, I woun't get close to cleaning one, dead or alive.--- save that wierd shit that will hurt you for the Japs.

[lpf]

Bottom feeder,

I have filleted several lion fish. I have eaten them both cooked and as sushi, they are outstanding table fare either way. I would be more worried about someone coming into contact with it in the fish box. While you are filleting just be aware that you do not want to puncture yourself. In my opinion they are well worth the effort.

lpf

[babalaza]

Steps:
-Set up big home aquarium
-Catch lionfish
-put him in the live well/luna tubes
-come home drop fish in tank
-feed him guppies/goldfish

=