Biology and ecology of lionfish (Pterois volitans) in the Corales de Profundidad Natural National Park, Colombian Caribbean

Abstract

Lionfish was studied in the mesophotic environment. 237 specimens were observed, most in the upper mesophotic zone. Males were larger than females and differences between sexes in growth models were found. Sixteen prey items were identified, the most important being the teleost families Acanthuridae and Monacanthidae, and the crustacean Penaeidae. The mean of δ13C was -17.08 ± 0.36 ‰ and δ15N was 8.68 ± 0.46 ‰, with no differences between sexes. Lionfish occupies a less extensive isotopic niche in mesophotic environment than in shallow sectors; there is an isotopic niche overlap between sexes. Likewise, lionfish has specialized trophic habits. All specimens were mature and in females regression phase predominated. In females, condition factor (CF), gonadosomatic index (GSI) and hepatosomatic index (HSI) increased with gonadal development, reaching peak in the active spawning phase, and decreasing in regression. Males had a condition factor similar to spawning females, but IGS and IHS were lower