With its venomous spines and fearless attitude, the lionfish has no known predators in the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean.

The fish which eats everything in sight however, could be about to be consumed by the ultimate predator mankind.

One way of defeating the invasive species in our waters could be to eat it. Despite its poisonous reputation, the lionfish is reportedly delicious once you remove its top and bottom fins.

A couple of restaurants in the Bahamas are experimenting with serving up the fish and Lionfish Project leader Chris Flook is now encouraging chefs to cook it up here.

Restaurants here have also shown interest but it may require Government to amend fisheries legislation before those with a lionfish culling licence can sell on their catch to commercial establishments.

Lobster fishermen may also have an opportunity here, as lionfish regularly get caught in their traps as bycatch.

Mr. Flook said that rather than "cutting them in half and throwing them overboard", fishermen could end up earning money towards their fuel and other expenses by selling the lionfish on to restaurants.

"Once you cut the top and bottom fins off, you're good to go. And it's the only fish in the Atlantic right now where you can take as many as you want," he said. "There's an environmental message here, and if we're eating them we are also taking the pressure off our snapper and grouper populations."

Mr. Flook said: "They taste like a cross between grouper and hogfish. The meat stays together and it tastes very nice. I really recommend it."

Friend Chris Malpas, who is executive chef at the Bank of Butterfield, said: "Once Chris started his research project he asked me, 'What do you think about eating them?' So I suggested we get hold of a couple of fillets and away we went.

"The flesh is white and firm, and very mild. The venom is only found in 75 percent of the quill spines so once you cut them off with kitchen or poultry shears, you can them treat them just like ordinary fish."

Mr. Malpas, 37, of St. David's, said: "They pose serious problems down the road if we don't get on top of them so we would like to explore legislation with Government to enable the lionfish to be sold commercially. It is a wonderful product."