Abstract
Indo-Pacific lionfish have become invasive throughout the western Atlantic. Their predatory effects have been the focus of much research and are suggested to cause declines in native fish abundance and diversity across the invaded range. However, little is known about their non-consumptive effects, or their effects on invertebrates. Lionfish use shelters on the reef, thus there is potential for competition with other shelter-dwelling organisms. We demonstrate similar habitat associations between invasive lionfish, native spiny lobsters (Panulirus argus) and native long-spined sea urchins (Diadema antillarum), indicating the potential for competition. We then used a laboratory experiment to compare activity and shelter use of each species when alone and when lionfish were paired with each native species. Spiny lobsters increased their activity but did not change their shelter use in the presence of a lionfish, whilst long-spined sea urchins changed neither their activity nor shelter use. However, lionfish reduced their shelter use in the presence of spiny lobsters and long-spined sea urchins. This study highlights the importance not only of testing for the non-consumptive effects of invasive species, but also exploring whether native species exert non-consumptive effects on the invasive.
Highlights
Invasive predatory species are well known to cause consumptive effects on native species [1,2,3]
Our study clearly identifies the overlap in shelter preferences and illustrates the behavioural responses caused by interactions between native invertebrate species and invasive lionfish, highlighting the importance of non-consumptive impacts of invasive species on the ecology of native species
We found that lionfish are not detrimental to all native species, as there was no effect of lionfish on Diadema activity or shelter use
Summary
Invasive predatory species are well known to cause consumptive effects on native species [1,2,3]. Invasive species may exert non-consumptive effects, such as competition for food [4] and space [5]. Competition for space occurs in terrestrial [6], freshwater [7] and marine environments [8] and in both plants [9] and sessile and mobile animals [6, 8]. Prior residency may confer an advantage in preventing displacement by a competitor species [9], whereas other factors such as body size may be more important determinants of which species gains access to the shelter [10].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
