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Lionfish: Reef Predator

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Lionfish are one of the invasive species that cause great damage to the balance of ecosystems. Do not promote their use as pets.

Invasive species cause great damage to the balance of ecosystems, do not promote their use.

 Sometimes mistaken for the scorpion fish, its dorsal fins have poisonous spines as a defense against other predators.

The ecosystems of the Caribbean are fragile so they are directly affected by pollution and the effects of climate change, however they now face a new threat that must be controlled soon. We refer to the Lionfish, an invasive species native to the Indo-Pacific that has no natural predators in the area.

It feeds on other small fish, crabs and other voracious hungry shellfish

The cause of its inclusion in the marine ecosystems of America is not 100% clear in its origin, however José Adán Caballero Vázquez, researcher at the Water Sciences Unit of the Yucatan Scientific Research Center CICY, favors entry through cargo ships from the South Pacific, its natural habitat, and intentional or accidental release from aquariums, because this is one of the main species on display by collectors in aquariums.

The coral reef in danger

Currently the Lionfish are found throughout the southeastern United States, the Gulf of Mexico and the greater Caribbean; this means that mangrove areas are included in this invaded area. In the North of Quintana Roo there is the Laguna Chacmuchuch System, close to the Protected Natural Area of ​​Isla Mujeres and precisely in this area there has been an increase in the number of Lion fish in the roots of the system of mangrove swamp that borders the entrance of the lagoon.

The problem is that the roots are used as nurseries by different reef species, so the presence of the Lionfish in this area represents a problem that must be controlled as soon as possible.

Currently, as part of the search and creation of a protocol for the control of this fish, actions such as the sustainable trade of this species and the Green Seal type certification have begun to be considered. Options are still being sought that allow support for conservation protection of the diversity of areas such as Puerto Morelos, whose reefs are in danger.

Frequently asked questions from our readers:

The lionfish, also known as the Pterois fish, is a species of marine fish that has become notorious in some regions due to its invasive nature and impact on marine ecosystems. They are fish native to the Indo-Pacific and are known for their distinctive appearance, which includes a series of poisonous spines on their body and fins. These spines are a defensive feature and can release venom if the fish feels threatened. Read more here: https://www.equilibriumx.com/ecoturismo-y-conservacion/el-leon-un-depredador-tambien-en-el-mar
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Lionfish have vertical stripes of vibrant colors, such as red, white and black, and pectoral fins that spread out similar to a bird's wings, giving it a striking appearance. Due to their ability to reproduce quickly and lack of natural predators in some areas, lionfish have become an environmental concern in some marine ecosystems, as they can compete with native species and upset the balance of the ecosystem. Control and management efforts have been implemented to mitigate its impact in certain regions.

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Lionfish feed mainly on small fish and crustaceans. Their diet includes a variety of prey, such as juvenile fish, shrimp, crabs, and lobsters.

This voracious predator uses its large mouth and sharp teeth to catch its prey, and its ability to expand its stomach allows it to consume large prey. Additionally, lionfish can also feed on the eggs and larvae of other fish, which can have a negative impact on populations of native species. Importantly, lionfish are invasive in many marine ecosystems, and their aggressive feeding contributes to their rapid spread and negative impact on local biodiversity.

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Last modified: March 21, 2024