LIONFISH (Pteroisvolitans)

What they look like:

The lionfish is a genus of fish in the Pterois family. These are also called zebra fish, fire fish, tasty fish, or butterfly cod. Lionfish usually have coloured bands that are red, white, cream-coloured, or black, along with distinctive pectoral fins and spiky fins sticking outt of their sides or backs which are venomous. The species that is invasive to the Caribbean is the Pteroisvolitans and the Pterois miles.

Behaviour:

Lionfish have a lifespan of 5 to 15 years. Females lay egg clusters that contain up to 15,000 eggs.  The Lionfish’s diet usually consists of small fish, invertebrates, and mollusccs. The Lionfish is a skilled hunter, blowing jets of water at its prey to disorient it and to position prey to be more easily eaten.

How they got here:

The Lionfish was most likely introduced in the early to mid-1990 off the coast of Florida into the Atlantic Ocean by pet owners who found taking care of them to be too difficult. Since then, they have spread up and down the Atlantic, being found as far north as Delaware State and as far south as Brazil. Lionfish are also now common in the Caribbean Sea. Lionfish prefer tropical and subtropical warm waters, and is one of the few invasive fish species to successfully establish itself in new open marine systems.

Predominant location/habitat:

Lionfish are primarily located in reefs and coral in warm sub-tropical and tropical waters up to 50 metres deep, although they have been located up to 300 metres.

Effects on Biodiversity:

Lionfish have been shown to overpopulate reef areas and display aggressive tendencies, which can force native fish species to move to other areas where conditions are less desirable for living and breeding. In one example, it was shown that a single lionfish was responsible for reducing young juvenile reef fish population by 79%. In addition, lionfish prey on fish species that help to maintain reef health such as parrotfish, which can have a significant impact on the viability of reef habitats.

Effects on people and the economy:

Due to the effects of lionfish on other fish species, especially reef fish populations, this can result in the loss of catch by fishermen for typical near shore and reef fish populations such as grouper. In addition, a reduction of reef species may have a knock on or indirect effect on the economy by reducing the attractiveness of tourist activities such as snorkelling and diving.

How to combat these invasive species:

One of the most effective ways to combat Lionfish invasion has been the “Lionfish as Food” campaign, whereby licensed fisher folk and other individuals are encouraged to catch and sell lionfish. Not only has this helped to reduce the population of lionfish, but it has also helped to provide an alternative fish source and reduce the pressure on overfished species such as grouper and snapper. Some organisations like the Reef Environmental Education Foundation has provided information to restaurants to properly prepare Lionfish despite their venomous spines.