Lionfishes are venomous species of scorpionfishes which are native to Indo-Pacific coral reef ecosystems and adjacent habitats. Through accidental and/or purposeful release into Atlantic waters, they have become established as a highly problematic alien species that poses a serious threat to coral reefs along the east coast of the United States of America, Bermuda, the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean islands, Central America and northern South America.
The first confirmed sighting of the alien invasive lionfish species in Barbados waters was November 2011. In response, a lionfish response plan for Barbados was formulated in 2011, while 2012 saw an explosion of various lionfish initiatives:
Of major concern were reports from elsewhere in the region that the lionfish is an extremely hardy species, surviving in a range of environments and significantly reducing reef fish and shell fish populations.
In November 2014, Barbados’ first lionfish derby was held. Subsequent to 2014, annual derbies have been the major management effort employed to control populations of lionfish on our reefs. Apart from removal of fish, derbies serve as an excellent data collection event, allowing lengths, weights and in some cases sex to be recorded while allowing for the collection of samples for genetic analysis. Derbies also support the ongoing efforts to increase public awareness regarding the consumption of lionfish and the promotion of a fishery. Various restaurants across the island (e.g.
Bento Box and
Marco Polo Bar & Grill) have placed lionfish on their menus, at some point in time, and a growing number of fishers and locals seek out the highly delicious and nutritious fish.
Species
There are two species of lionfish (
Pterois volitans and
P. miles) which are morphologically similar and distinguishable in their native range based on
P. volitans exhibiting one higher count of dorsal and anal fin rays when compared to
P. miles. In their invaded range (i.e. the Atlantic) the two species are visually identical and can only be told apart by examining genetic markers.
Native species misidentified as lionfish
Range
Range Map (source:
CAR-SPAW-RAC)
The lionfish is native to the Indo-Pacific region. The native range of Pterois volitans is shown in green while the native range of Pterois miles is shown in blue on the range map. The non-native range of P. volitans and P. miles in the Americas is shown in red while the predicted future distribution of lionfish along coastal South America is represented by the red hatching.
Invasion
It is believed that the marine ornamental aquarium trade led to the introduction of lionfish into the United States of America from its native Indo-Pacific region. The initial confirmed lionfish sighting in the wild in the United States of America occurred in 1985, off Dania Beach, Florida. The actual means of escape into the wild is unknown, but it is postulated that they were either deliberately released by pet owners or escaped confinement from an aquarium during a storm event.
The invasion of the lionfish, along the east coast of the United States and into the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea has been regarded as one of the most rapid marine finfish invasions in history. (see regional invasion progression). The islands of the Lesser Antilles remained some of the last islands to be invaded within the Caribbean, with Barbados recording its first confirmed sighting in November, 2011 (see Lesser Antilles invasion).
After the first confirmed sighting of a lionfish in Barbados (November 24, 2011) only a total of six were reported within the subsequent six months. From August 2012, there was a marked increase in the rate of reported sightings with a reported total of 54 confirmed sightings after one year (up to 15 November 2012; see Barbados lionfish invasion).
Regional lionfish invasion (1985 - 2018)
Source:
USGS Wetlands and Aquatic Research Center
Lesser Antilles invasion (2010 - 2012)
Barbados lionfish invasion
Red dots: confirmed sightings within the first six months
Green dots: confirmed sightings within the subsequent six months
Biology and Ecology
• life span: up to 15 yr
• sexual maturity: within 1 year
• highly prolific: up to 30,000 every 7 days
• seasonality of reproduction: reproduce during all seasons of the year
• size: maximum of 45 cm (20 in)
• weight: up to 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs)
• diet: broad diet (voracious, generalist carnivores consuming juvenile fish and crustaceans)
• habitat preference: general (habitats - coral and hard bottom to artificial reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds; depth - 0 - 1000 m (>3000 ft)
• predators: none known in the Atlantic
• natural defense: 18 venomous spines (containing apocrine-type venom glands)