Lionfish on the Hunt


1Without 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, Maljković and Côté 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 biodiversity and synergy to these coral reefs. 2They have the potential to outcompete and prey upon a wide range of native reef animals. On small experimental reefs in the Bahamas, young lionfish reduced recruitment of native reef fish by nearly 80%. 3In their native range, lionfish are thought to be crepuscular or nocturnal predators. But in other studies, lionfish have been observed to be daytime hunters as well.
Figure 1 - Impacts leading to the future destruction of the Marine environments

 4Lionfish may be cannibalistic, but otherwise have few documented natural predators in their native range. Lionfish have the potential to act synergistically with other existing stressors, such as climate change, overfishing, and pollution, making this invasion of particular concern for the future of Atlantic coral reefs. 5The current geographic extent and rapid population growth of lionfish in the Atlantic makes complete eradication of this invasive species untenable. 

Nonetheless, it would be prudent for affected nations to initiate targeted lionfish control efforts as soon as possible.

Photo by Margus Larsson
Photo by National Ocean Agency


References:
1.   Stephanie J. Green, John L. Akins, Aleksandra Maljkovic, Isabelle M. Cote (2012)- Invasive Lionfish Drive Atlantic Coral Reef Fish Declines Volume 7, Issue 3 e32597, 1-2
2.   Albins MA, Hixon MA (2008) Invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish Pterois volitans reduce recruitment of Atlantic coral-reef fishes. Marine Ecology Progress Series 367: 233–238.
3.   Myers RF (1991) Micronesian reef fishes, 2nd edn. Coral Graphic Barrigada
4.   Bernadsky G, Goulet D (1991) A natural predator of the lionfish, Pterois miles. Copeia 1991:230–231
5.   Mark A. Albins, Mark A. Hixon (2008)- Invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish Pterois volitans reduce recruitment of Atlantic coral-reef fishes. Marine Ecology Progress Series 367: 233–238. 

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