Venomous lion fish continuously tries to eat photographers subjects

Lion fish are an invasive species in Caribbean waters, having been introduced by accident to a world where they have no predators. They destroy reefs by devouring huge quantities of small reef fish, upsetting the delicate balance that keeps everything in check. But here, in the waters around Fiji, lion fish like this one are part of that balance.
This lion fish can be seen extending its highly venomous spines to coral small fish in its attempt to inhale them. It is following this scuba diver as she makes her best effort to photograph some of the small fish on a night dive. The lion fish is a crafty fellow and he knows that he can use the diver to help with the attempt to back the small fish into a corner. He is also hoping that the lights give him an advantage as they make it difficult for the prey to see him closing in.
The scuba diver must be careful to avoid the sharp points on the fins. Each one can deliver enough venom to cause intense pain, swelling, and possible respiratory difficulty. In most cases, the sting is not life threatening, but in rare cases, it can require immediate medical treatment to avoid dangerous complications.
Lion fish are beautifully ornate when their fins are extended. Their markings are striking, with contrasting orange, white and black stripes. In the Caribbean, the fish are a menace and scuba divers are encouraged to kill them whenever possible. The meat of the lion fish is delicious and flaky, making them a very appealing source of food. Harvesting lion fish in many places is necessary for the survival of the reef.