LIONFISH SCIENTIFIC NAME: PTEROIS

VOLITANS

By: Ali Olson Emily Stringham

ECOSYSTEM Indo. Pacific.

South Pacific Indian ocean

Reefs and rocky crevices They have now been introduced to the

southeast coast of the US, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico. They are not native to the Atlantic and have become a threat to the ecosystem. 

ROLES IN ECOSYSTEM The diet of the lionfish includes over 40

species of fish and crustacean. This invasive species has become a real threat to many native reef fish communities.

They are predators that eat fish but are not eaten by many others because of their venomous spines.

Relatively resistant to parasites, this gives them another advantage over other native species in their new ecosystem.

LIFE SPAN Lion fish can live up to 15 years. Average life span is 5-10 years. If kept in captivity, the lionfish

can have a life span that exceeds 15 years.

FEEDING BEHAVIOR Eat small fish, crabs, shrimp,

and other crustaceans. Fairy basslet, bridle cardnalfish,

white grunt, bi-colored damselfish, yellowheaded wrasse, blue headed wrasse, striped parrot fish, spiny lobster, and banded coral shrimp.

A lionfish will often spread its feathery pectoral fins and heard small fish into a confined space where it can more easily swallow them.

They always swallow their food whole.

REPRODUCTION Capable of reproducing year-round with unique reproduction mechanisms not commonly found in native fishes.

Are external spawners. Females have the potential

to reproduce every 4 days! Can spawn around 2

million eggs per year. The female will release

between 2,000 and 15,000 eggs into the water to be fertilized.

(note card)

SURVIVALHelpful survival skill: Venomous spines Predators: Have very few predators in their native

range, where they occupy the upper levels of the food chain.

moray eels, bluespotted cornetfish, larger groupers (tiger grouper and Nassau grouper) and sharks are the only known predators.

Human Impact Humans have hunted them to use as

a tasty treat for any menu. Humans have taken them from their

normal ecosystem and put them in new areas.

 Divers and fisherman are supposed to document and report any sighting of lionfish along the

Atlantic and Gulf waters.

UNIQUE FEATURES Can grow to 15 inches in length but most

are only 1 foot. Weigh between 2-3 lbs. 18 needle-like dorsal fins-venomous spines Carnivores Are often used as Aquarium pets, but need

lots of space with very few other fish. Need to feel like they have dominance in the tank.

There are many different species of lionfish.

UNIQUE FEATURES Relatives of the Lionfish belong to the

scorpion fish family, which includes some of the most venomous fishes in the ocean.

SCIENTIFIC ARTICLE Biological invasion of the Indo-pacific lionfish

along the Atlantic coast of North America. It is amazing that the lionfish has been able

to adapt to a new habitat that is so different from its native home.

Things that it has had to adapt to is the water temperatures, the reef structures, the fish species.

Researchers have reported that within a short period after the lionfish was introduced into a new area, survival of the native reef fishes declined about 80 percent.

RECAP Originally from Indo. Pacific region, but now

found in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Is a predator. Average of 5-10 years life span, with exception

to 15 years. Eat small fish, crabs, shrimp, and other

crustaceans. External spawners, who reproduce year round. Venomous Spines Trying to rid the fish from its new habitat.

SOURCES National Geographic (nationalgeographic.com) NOAA (noaa.gov) Oceana (oceana.org) Reef (reef.org) Marine Bio (marinebio.org) New England Aquarium (neaq.org) Science News (phschool.com/science/science

news/articles/bad_news_beauties.html.) A-Z Animals (a-zanimal.com/animals/lionfish) Google images