Deadly lionfish that can paralyse humans found for first time off UK shores

The fish have venomous spines which deliver painful stings.

(AFP via Getty Images)

A man has caught a deadly fish capable of paralysing and killing humans at a popular tourist spot in Dorset.

Arfon Summers, 39, caught the six-inch lionfish at Chesil Beach on Thursday, thought to be the first time the species has been found in British waters.

Summers had hoped to hook a triggerfish with the arrival of the warmer waters, instead managing to catch the lionfish which had 13 venomous spines.

He told The Sun: “My mind was blown, a lionfish is a new offshore personal best. It’s no doubt the ocean is getting warmer to house these.

“I didn’t let it go due to it being an invasive species.”

Lionfish are usually found in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean, though have spread to the Mediterranean threatening the region’s ecosystem.

They are mostly found in all marine habitats in warm waters of depths from one to 300 feet.

They are the top predators in many coral reefs, consuming over 50 species of fish including economically and ecologically important species.

The slow-moving creatures are thought to be nocturnal hunters, using their fins to pursue and corner prey.

Lionfish have venomous spines which can cause extreme pain, sweating, respiratory problems, and even paralysis.

They have a distinctive brown, red and white stripes over its body, and 13 dorsal spines that can deliver the painful stings.

An adult can grow up to 18 inches, while younger fish may be as small as one inch.

Lionfish are not currently listed as a threatened or endangered species - however, depleting numbers of its prey in coral reefs may see a decline in its numbers.