Sharks

The Atlantic Ocean has seen an increase in lionfish populations, despite the fact that this is not where they are native to. Lionfish are now an invasive species in the Atlantic Ocean as a result. Since they have no predators in those waters, they are proliferating more quickly and devouring a large number of the local fish. Some marine researchers have attempted teaching sharks to consume lionfish as a way to combat this.

In the Indo-Pacific Ocean, lionfish are naturally preyed upon by sharks. Lionfish won't multiply too much if sharks in the Atlantic Ocean begin to hunt them as well. According to some experts, lionfish venom either doesn't effect sharks very much or they are immune to it. It is also known that sharks may consume other poisonous species, including pufferfish and stingrays. By training sharks in the Atlantic Ocean to consume lionfish, researchers are hoping that eventually these powerful predators would start going after lionfish. It could take some time, though, for this to become the standard.

Sharks that feed primarily on mollusks and crustaceans have dense, flattened teeth that are used for crushing; sharks that primarily consume fish have needle-like teeth that are used for gripping; and sharks that primarily consume larger prey, such as mammals, have pointed lower teeth that are used for gripping and triangular upper teeth with serrated edges that are used for cutting.