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Controlling the Lion, Continued

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The various methods used to control the lionfish are interesting as companies are creating competitions and derbies to eradicate the lionfish species, but are also giving cash incentives to appeal to persons more to make them more interested. A very close friend of mine who is studying in New York knows someone studying Marine Biology and more specifically, studied the lionfish. She said that she did diving and was taught to kill lionfish on sight. She also mentioned that when they use harpoons to kill lionfish, the sound it makes attracts sharks and these sharks, then feed on the lionfish! On hearing this, I went on to do further research and found this interesting video about persons further teaching sharks and eels to prey on lionfish! I also stumbled upon the REEF’s (Reef Environmental Education Foundation) official website, where they have information about lionfish derbies, educating persons on how important it is to get rid of the invasive species, lionfish-...
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Controlling the Lion

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The term  invasive , used in much scientific literature,  implies damaging species that affect the natives.    The  Pterios Volitans  reduced 65%, on average, the biomass of native fish (small-sized fish) in coral reefs of The Bahamas in two years 1 . Mark Vermeij, a conservation biologist at the Caribbean Marine Biological Institute on the island of Curaçao mentioned that, “Quite quickly they were everywhere. They were like cockroaches.” The increase of these fish called for companies to create solutions to aid in controlling these fish. Proposed solutions to eradicate invasive species include: mechanical removal, biological control, or even chemical application 2 . The current strategies for lionfish population growth control – proposed by conservation non-governmental organizations and managers – work on physical removals through derbies and fishing tournaments 3 .  Photo by the REEF Fishing Tournament Photo by Bonai...
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Effects of the Lionfish

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From the previous posts, we see that lionfish are insatiable predators with the potential of wiping out the fishes in our country’s coral reefs. While it is important to mention that extensive studies of predation on lionfish have not been reported, the apparent paucity of natural predators may be due, in part, to the defensive dorsal, anal, and pelvic spines of lionfish, which deliver potent venom that may be fatal to fishes 1 .  These fishes that are preyed on by the lionfish serve many different purposes in the coral reef ecosystems that they reside and also, for humans for economic value. How are these coral reef fishes important? ·         Lionfish have the potential to decrease the abundance of ecologically important species , such as parrotfishes and other herbivorous reef fishes, which are crucial for preventing seaweeds from overgrowing corals   2, 3 . ·          Also, other sp...
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Lionfish on the Hunt

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1 Without prompt action to control increasing lionfish populations, similar effects across the region may have long-term negative implications for the structure of Atlantic marine communities, as well as the societies and economies that depend on them.  These ecosystems can be greatly affected as these voracious beasts of prey can wipe out many species of fish. Photo by NOAA's National Ocean Agency In a study done by  Green, Akins, Maljkovi ć and C ôté  on the predation of lionfish, it was found that no fish disease epidemic was reported during the study period by the fish that were preyed on, leaving lionfish predation as the most likely cause of the changes in prey fish abundance documented here. Lionfish was observed to hunt an abundance of fish species and the impacts of these fish cannot be limited to small-bodied fish species anymore as the number of different species found in their stomachs. These fish species hold an important value to the biodi...
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"The Perfect Predator"

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In the video above, CNN talks to Graham Haddocks, who is the President of the Ocean Support Foundation about the fairly new invasive species, Pterios Volitans – The Lionfish.   In this video, Graham mentions that these fishes are considered to be the perfect predator as they are venomous, have a ferocious appetite, and are able to eat fishes up to three times its size! I find this really interesting as these fishes act as if they are invincible, as if no other fish can mess with them. They use their venomous spikes and their ability to open up their fins to scare away larger animals so that they won’t target them as prey. Because of this, there are no predators for these animals other than humans.  These beasts of prey eat almost anything that can fit in their mouth and due to their extensive diets, develop abnormally large livers, and sometimes even liver disease! They are some hungry fish! These fish are also multiplying as the days go by, and may become uncontrol...
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The Lion's Diet

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Photo by Grant Stirton In the picture on the left, you see a coral reef which: 1.  Houses hundreds of fishes and marine animals, each varying in colour, shape, and size. 2. Help prevent coastlines from eroding. 3. Provides spawning, nurserys, refuge and feeding areas for hundreds of marine organisms which add to their country’s biodiversity and all live in harmony to create a stable ecosystem.  When lionfish was introduced to the aquatic environment, they IMMEDIATELY changed the harmony of these ecosystems due to their predatory behavior.           These fishes have been increasing and spreading rapidly, causing danger to an abundance of fish as they come across new areas. 1 This invasive carnivore may cause deleterious changes in coral-reef ecosystems via predation on native fishes and invertebrates as well as competition with native predators. 2,3 These ambush predators consume a wide variety of native fish an...
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Predators in Disguise

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Photo by Ahsan C. Lionfish are known for their ornate beauty as they are very colorful and florid creatures.  Many other fish get mistaken when they see these fish and do not see them as predatory animals. They use this to their advantage as they utilize their alluring bodies consisting of shades of a red base with white, black and cream stripes. They would sit and wait as other fish not feel threatened by them and would even be attracted to them and when the time is right, would attack as these fish would come close to them. This is one of many predatory techniques that these fish use to feed on their prey. These fishes are forces to be reckoned with as they are slowly taking over the coral reef ecosystems in the Atlantic and the Caribbean! If some action is not taken against these animals, our native fish are going to be wiped out as their numbers are already decreasing at a large rate. For my Science Communication class that I do in University, I wrote a newspaper a...
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