Simba of the Indo-Pacific

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...

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...

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...

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...

Lionfish became popular, but a disliked species as they are one of the fastest spreading invasive species of all time. They were not always present in our oceans.  About the lionfish: 1 Their average lifespan in the wild are only up to 15 years, indicating that these animals are new to the world’s waters.  They are about 11.8 to 15 inches in size. They are approximately weigh 2.6 pounds. Photo taken by Joel Sartore 2 Two closely related species of predatory lionfish ( Pterois Volitans and Pterois Miles ) were recently introduced from their native range in the Indo-Pacific to the Western Atlantic. 3 Lionfish may have been introduced into the Atlantic at Biscayne Bay, Florida, when several individuals were released from an aquarium during Hurricane Andrew in 1992.  No one knows whether the introduction of lion fish was a single event or multiple, however, it is known that it was a release off the coast of Florida, intentionally or unintentionally. ...

The lionfish is beautiful, but dangerous.  These fish are also known as 'zebrafish', 'firefish' or even 'butterfly cod' and are known for their ornate beauty. They mostly are red with white, black and cream stripes resembling a zebra. Their pectoral fins are large but are soft, fleshy and feathery. Additionally, they have dorsal spiky rays which are venomous. This helps them to kill and capture their prey easier and faster. These fishes are known to be very eye-catching and known for their venomous spikes and special tentacles. These fishes are native to the Indo- Pacific but invasive to the Caribbean and the Atlantic. Photo by Discover Magazine showing Lionfish sightings These fishes mainly feed on small fishes, invertebrates and crustaceans. Before lionfish came into the waters, the ecosystems in the ocean had a stable food web with proper feeding relationships, contributing to a stable ecosystem. Unfortunately, lionfish caused a disruption in the...