Red Lionfish Pterois Volitans Research Articles

Cutaneous ulcerative lesions of unknown etiology affecting lionfish Pterois spp. in the Gulf of Mexico.

Cutaneous ulcerative skin lesions in a complex of invasive Gulf of Mexico lionfish (Red Lionfish Pterois volitans, Devil Firefish P.miles, and the hybrid Red Lionfish × Devil Firefish) became epizootic beginning in mid-August 2017. Herein, we provide the first pathological descriptions of these lesions and summarize our analyses to elucidate the etiology of the disease. We examined ulcerated and normal fishthrough gross pathology and histopathology, bacterial sampling, and unbiased metagenomic next-generation sequencing. We tracked prevalence of the disease, and we used biological health indicators (condition factor, splenosomatic and hepatosomatic index) to evaluate impacts to health, while considering sex and age as potential risk factors. Typical ulcerative lesions were deep, exposing skeletal muscle, and were bordered by pale or reddened areas often with some degree of scale loss. Only incidental parasites were found in our examinations. Most fish (86%; n=50) exhibited wound healing grossly and histologically, confirmed by the presence of granulation tissues. A primary bacterial pathogen was not evident through bacterial culture or histopathology. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing did not reveal a viral pathogen (DNA or RNA) but did provide information about the microbiome of some ulcerated specimens. Compared with clinically healthy fish, ulcerated fish had a significantly lower condition factor and a higher splenosomatic index. Disease prevalence at monitored sites through July 2021 indicated that ulcerated fish were still present but at substantially lower prevalence than observed in 2017. Although some common findings in a number of specimens suggest a potential role for opportunistic bacteria, collectively our suite of diagnostics and analyses did not reveal an intralesional infectious agent, and we must consider the possibility that there was no communicable pathogen.

NORTHERNMOST BRAZILIAN RECORD OF LIONFISH Pterois volitans (LINNAEUS, 1758): A WARNING OF BIOINVASION IN FRENCH GUIANA WATERS

In this paper, we report the northernmost Brazilian record of the red lionfish Pterois volitans (Linnaeus, 1758), highlighting the risk of bioinvasion of the species in French Guiana waters. The specimen of P. volitans was accidentally caught in June 2023, by artisanal multispecies fishery with gillnets in coastal waters in the region of Orange Cape, Oiapoque (State of Amapá) (04°43'00"N, 051°25'00"W), bordering French Guiana. The adult individual (~36 cm) was collected at a depth of 36.5 m, in a sandy-clay substrate in the continental shelf. The record of the species in the most extreme point of Brazil indicates a strong bioinvasion process of P. volitans in tropical waters; so, this work alerts the risk of the spread of the species to other countries of South America with its possible invasion in French Guiana waters.

DANGER IN SHALLOW WATERS: LIONFISH Pterois volitans (LINNAEUS, 1758) IN AMAZON RIVER PLUME, AMAPÁ, BRAZIL

A new record of the red lionfish Pterois volitans is related to the Amazon River plume. The specimen examined is an adult male, total length 34 cm and weight 620g, caught at june 4th, 2022, by artisanal multispecies fishery, with gillnet at Amapá State, next to Cabo Orange National Park, 04°03’02,67 N 050°56’11,22W, depth of 10 m, in soft bottom (sand and mud). The record expands the geographical distribution of P. volitans, in shallow and low-salinity waters of the Amazon continental shelf.

FIRST RECORD OF RED LIONFISH Pterois volitans (LINNAEUS, 1758) (SCORPAENIFORMES: SCORPAENIDAE) IN THE GREAT AMAZON REEF SYSTEM, STATE OF PARÁ, BRAZIL

New records of 13 red lionfish Pterois volitans (Linnaeus, 1758) collected in 2021 in commercial fisheries for lobster Panulirus argus (Latreille, 1804) and snapper Lutjanus purpureus (Poey, 1866) in the Great Amazon Reef System. We provide information about the first occurrence in the Amazon continental shelf in Pará State, depth, target fishery, fishing gear and size of the specimens. These records expand the geographic distribution of P. volitans and the knowledge about its invasion in Brazil.

Kudoa hypoepicardialis and associated cardiac lesions in invasive red lionfish Pterois volitans in Grenada, West Indies.

Invasive red lionfish Pterois volitans (Linnaeus, 1758) represent an ongoing ecological threat within temperate and tropical waters. Relatively little is known regarding the overall health of P. volitans and their potential for spreading pathogens in non-native regions. Lionfish collected from inshore reefs of Grenada, West Indies, in 2019 and 2021 were identified as P. volitans based on cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 barcoding. Gross and microscopic examination of tissues revealed myxozoan plasmodia in the hearts of 24/76 (31.6%) lionfish by histopathology or wet mount cytology. Further histopathologic examination revealed severe granulomatous inflammation and myofiber necrosis associated with developing plasmodia and presporogonic life stages. Fresh myxospores were morphologically and molecularly consistent with Kudoa hypoepicardialis, being quadrate in apical view with 4 valves and 4 equal polar capsules. The spore body was 5.1-7.9 (mean: 6.0) µm long, 8.1-9.8 (8.7) µm wide, and 6.9-8.5 (7.7) µm thick. Polar capsules were 2.3-2.7 (2.5) µm long and 0.9-1.6 (1.3) µm wide. 18S small subunit rDNA sequences were 99.81-99.87% similar to sequence data from the original description of the species. Novel 28S large subunit rDNA and elongation factor 2 data, which did not match any previously reported species, were provided. This is the first account of a myxozoan parasite of P. volitans, a new host record and locality for K. hypoepicardialis, and one of few reports describing pathogen-associated lesions in invasive lionfish.

Genetic analysis of red lionfish Pterois volitans from Florida, USA, leads to alternative North Atlantic introduction scenarios

The red lionfish Pterois volitans is a successful invasive predator across the western North Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico. The southeast coast of Florida (USA) has been identified as the original introduction location, but genetic analyses including Florida lionfish have yet to investigate introduction scenarios. Here, we assessed the potential lionfish invasion pathways using 1795 sequences from previously published mitochondrial D-loop sequences (n = 1558) and new samples (n = 237) from 6 locations: The Bahamas, Florida Keys, northwest Florida, North Carolina, Panamá, and southeast Florida. None of the assessed Florida lionfish (n = 394) contained the H05-H09 D-loop haplotypes found in The Bahamas, North Carolina, and Bermuda (the Northern Region), indicating that Florida was not the source for these haplotypes. Assessing the mitochondrial population structure, the Florida east coast lionfish grouped with the Caribbean/Gulf of Mexico, as opposed to the Northern Region. To further explore connectivity and invasion pathways, 14 nuclear microsatellite loci were multiplexed on lionfish collected from 15 locations (n = 394). As found in other nuclear lionfish studies, the analyses identified a lack of population structure likely due to founding effects and/or inbreeding in aquaculture brood stocks. Together, the significant haplotype differences and H01-H04 haplotypes refute Florida as the sole source of red lionfish introduction. The results of this study support alternative invasion scenarios, in which Florida was colonized as a secondary introduction site or by individuals from the Northern Region. Understanding invasive species’ population boundaries and dispersal patterns informs local control efforts and management planning for future invasive species introductions.

Initial sightings and derby data from the red lionfish invasion (Pterois volitans) (Scorpaeniformes: Scorpaenidae) in Barbados.

BackgroundNative to the Indo-Pacific region, the lionfish (Pterois volitans and P. miles) has been classified as an alien invasive species which has rapidly invaded the North-western Atlantic and the Caribbean. The primary concerns regarding lionfish pertain to their broad diet, general habitat use and their potential threat on fisheries resources, native fish communities and human health. Away from natural predators, lionfish populations can easily become established and pose a serious threat to local fish species and ecosystem functioning. The first confirmed sighting of the red lionfish (Pterois volitans) in Barbados was in November 2011. Throughout 2012, fishermen and recreational divers were encouraged to report sightings of lionfish via an established hotline. Where possible, sightings were confirmed by way of the fish being captured and handed over to the Barbados Fisheries Division or the East Coast Conservation Organisation (ECCO) Inc. (an environmental NGO) for confirmation. In addition to confirmation, biological data (such as length, weight, sex and maturity) were also collected. Genetic research conducted on confirmed specimens collected between 2011-2013 identified the presence of only one species, P. volitans. Since the first confirmed sighting of the red lionfish in Barbados, it is believed that population numbers have steadily increased. One of the methods utilised in Barbados to control this alien invasive lionfish species is that of an annual derby. On 5 and 6 December 2015 and 13 November 2016, teams of divers (both free divers and SCUBA divers) took to the local waters to hunt for and kill lionfish. Caught lionfish were landed at scoring stations to be counted and allowed for the collection of basic biological data (such as length, weight, sex and maturity). In addition to biological data, teams (observers) also provided information on dive sites (locations) and associated geographic information (i.e. GPS coordinates), where available.New informationThese two datasets, initial sightings (2012) and derby data (2015 and 2016), present the first collected data for the red lionfish (P. volitans) in Barbados. The two datasets are occurrence datasets which document the identification of >1500 lionfish removed from the waters of Barbados between 2011 and 2016.

New occurrence of the red lionfish Pterois volitans (Linnaeus, 1758) in the north eastern Mediterranean (Yeşilovacık Bay)

This paper presents the new occurence of the the red lionfish (Pterois volitans Linnaeus 1758). The lessepsian red lionfish Pterois volitans (Linnaeus, 1758) (Actinoptery: Scorpaeniformes: Scorpaenidae), in the native Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean, living alone on the hillside and around the coral reefs and rocky bottom layers, usually at depths of 0-50 m, is an invasive species for the Mediterranean. A male specimen of the red lionfish was caught alive by a commercial trawl fishing boat in the North-Eastern Mediterranean (Yeşilovacık Bay) (36°07'32.5"N 33°36'31.6"E) on 26 March 2017. This is the third record of P. volitans from the Mediterranean Sea basin. The present short communication reported the first record of P. volitans from Yeşilovacık Bay.

Barcoding a Lionfish’s Last Meal: A Citizen Science Research Project for the Classroom

Barcoding a Lionfish’s Last Meal is a project that engages students in authentic research and uses molecular techniques to study an environmental issue—invasion of the lionfish. Red lionfish (Pterois volitans) are a voracious invasive species indigenous to Indo-Pacific waters that have the potential to greatly disrupt coral reef ecosystems. We report the initial data gathered from high school and university students as well as high school teachers attending professional development workshops. Data is shared on the iNaturalist website (see Resources) to allow widespread access for analysis. This project is now in its third year.

Lower Lethal Temperatures for Two Commonly Traded Species of Lionfishes: Implications for Establishment beyond Pterois volitans and P. miles

The subfamily Pteroinae, a widely distributed Indo-Pacific group, contains five genera and 27 species, including the well-known, invasive Red Lionfish Pterois volitans and Devil Firefish P. miles. Other species are imported in the marine ornamental trade; however, basic biological information for most is scarce or absent, which can make the determination of invasion risk difficult. Thermal tolerance is an important physiological characteristic which can limit the distribution of non-native fishes. Here we assess the thermal tolerances of two commonly traded lionfishes in the ornamental pathway, Shortfin Turkeyfish Dendrochirus brachypterus and Zebra Turkeyfish Dendrochirus zebra, using chronic lethal methodology. Average chronic lethal minimum temperature was 11.8°C for Shortfin Turkeyfish and 14.7°C for Zebra Turkeyfish, compared to 10.0°C for Red Lionfish. Our results suggest a narrower potential distribution in the Atlantic for both species if they were to establish outside captivity. These findings are useful for future risk assessment which can inform regulatory actions, if necessary, and ultimately mitigate deleterious introductions.

Reproductive life history characteristics of invasive red lionfish (Pterois volitans) in the northern Gulf of Mexico

With invasive lionfish (Pterois spp.) increasing throughout the western North Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico (GOM), it is important to define life history characteristics to help understand the invasion and potential effects on receiving ecosystems. Although some aspects of reproduction are known elsewhere in the invaded range, little is known in the northern GOM [nGOM; Florida Keys (24.66°N) to south Texas (26.00°N)]. In the present study, gonadosomatic index (GSI) calculations were based on 4527 red lionfish Pterois volitans (Linnaeus, 1758) specimens (April 2012–March 2015). Male and female GSI peaked from May to October, corresponding with macroscopic gonadal assessments of reproductively active females. Histological examination of ovaries from 355 females found they were spawning capable during all months. Males (n = 211) were spawning capable in all months except March, the only month in which no actively spawning females were present. A significantly higher percentage of reproductively active females was found from May to December. Lionfish reached 50% maturity at a small size (166.6 mm TL, females; 145.2 mm TL, males). Mean relative batch fecundity (n = 71) was 92 eggs g–1 gonad-free body weight (GFBW) and was highest in August (207 eggs g–1 GFBW). The population spawning frequency was estimated to be every 2.5 d over 11 mo in the nGOM, corresponding to a maximum potential annual output of 2,332,490 eggs for an average sized (188.6 g) female. These reproductive characteristics are similar to invasive lionfish in tropical waters, although nGOM reproductive output appears higher. Our results represent the most comprehensive reproductive data on lionfish in their invaded range, and provide a baseline for management in the nGOM.

Lionfishes Pterois miles and Pterois volitans in the North-eastern Mediterranean Sea: Distribution, Habitation, Predation and Predators

The lionfish Pterois miles was first recorded in the Iskenderun Bay on 2014 in Turkish Marine waters, and then its distribution was extended to Mersin and Antalya Bays in 2014 in the Mediterranean part of Turkey. The first observation of P. miles in the Aegean Sea was from Fethiye region in July 2015. The extension of P. miles in Turkish marine waters seems to be fast even though it’s slow moving feature. Second species of the lionfish, red lionfish Pterois volitans, was also recorded from Turkish Marine waters on May 2016 by a commercial purse seine at 30 m depth at İskenderun Bay and underwater observation was also recorded on October 2016 at Antakya Bay. Therefore, the number of Pterois species in the Mediterranean Sea has reached to two, P. miles and P. volitans. Based on underwater observations, P. miles and P. volitans are usually observed in rocky and cave habitats and prefer 10-40 meters for feeding that may cause the reduction of populations of vanikoro sweeper (Pempheris spp.), cardinal fish (Apogon spp.) and red coat (Sargocentron rubrum) species. P. miles and P. volitans also show cohabitation and gathering usually with 2-5 individuals. Grouper species such as dusky gruper Ephinephelus marginatus and goldblotch grouper Ephinephelus costae are the main predators of the lionfishes

Thermal ecology of red lionfish Pterois volitans from southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, with comparisons to other Scorpaenidae

Thermal ecology of red lionfish Pterois volitans from southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, with comparisons to other Scorpaenidae

First report of the invasive red lionfish Pterois volitans (Linnaeus, 1758) (Scorpaenidae) on the coast of Tamaulipas, Mexico

First report of the invasive red lionfish Pterois volitans (Linnaeus, 1758) (Scorpaenidae) on the coast of Tamaulipas, Mexico

Invasive lionfish increase activity and foraging movements at greater local densities

Density-dependent changes in predator foraging behavior due to intraspecific com- petition for food can have important implications for population dynamics of both the predator and its prey. The Indo-Pacific red lionfish Pterois volitans is an invasive predatory reef fish that has reached high population densities and can cause large reductions in small native fishes. To deter- mine whether lionfish behavior or movement varies with local lionfish and/or prey densities, I con- ducted observations of lionfish on 16 coral patch reefs in The Bahamas. Lionfish foraging activity and movement varied significantly with lionfish density. At higher densities, lionfish exhibited greater activity levels, time away from shelter, and more short-term foraging movements between coral patch reefs and surrounding seagrass habitats. However, these changes were not uniform throughout the day, with differences in activity occurring only at dusk and differences in move- ment occurring at both dawn and dusk, but not midday. Although some lionfish foraging behav- iors varied with prey density, overall lionfish density was more strongly related to differences in lionfish activity patterns. These temporal and spatial changes in lionfish foraging behaviors are consistent with the predicted effects of intraspecific competition and may have important conse- quences for lionfish removal efforts and native prey populations. Specifically, in areas with higher lionfish densities, prey fishes that are more active at dusk and/or inhabit seagrass beds near coral patch reefs may be more vulnerable to lionfish predation. By culling lionfish, managers may reduce the local foraging movements of lionfish and thus help maintain native fish communities in multiple habitats.

First record red lionfish Pterois volitans (Linnaeus, 1785) in the Mediterranean Sea

A single male specimen of red lionfish Pterois volitans was recorded for the first time in 13
 May 2016 from the Iskenderun Bay, North-eastern Mediterranean, Turkey. The present paper
 also reports the first record of the red lionfish P. volitans along the Mediterranean Sea. 

Working up an appetite for lionfish: A market-based approach to manage the invasion of Pterois volitans in Belize

Located on the Caribbean coast of Central America and flanked by the second longest barrier reef in the world, Belize is a nation reliant upon marine resources. Each year, the country’s predominantly small-scale fisheries generate an estimated US$22 million in revenue – 1.8%of GDP – and employ 3000 people. However, the nation’s fishing communities are facing an unprecedented challenge. Existing threats posed by declining fish stocks have been exacerbated by the introduction of the invasive alien red lionfish Pterois volitans in 2008. This Indo-Pacific predator has the potential to cause significant losses to the recruitment of native fish, in turn disrupting coral reef community dynamics in the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Howefver, targeted lionfish fishing may offer a cost effective means to control the invasion, while also creating an alternative livelihood solution and improving food security among Belize's coastal fishing communities. This study summarises the recent history of the lionfish invasion in Belize, describes the multi-sector approach being used to address the invasion, and presents preliminary research summarising the characteristics of invasive alien lionfish in Belize. Data from Belize's nascent ‘lionfishery’ are also presented, demonstrating that demand for lionfish is outweighing supply – largely as a result of awareness-raising initiatives – and highlighting the strong potential for replication of this approach elsewhere in the Caribbean. The study concludes by discussing the barriers and potential solutions to this market-based approach to invasive species management.

Modeling suitable habitat of invasive red lionfish Pterois volitans (Linnaeus, 1758) in North and South America’s coastal waters

Modeling suitable habitat of invasive red lionfish Pterois volitans (Linnaeus, 1758) in North and South America’s coastal waters

O&A: Fish Talk with Kristen Dahl

FisheriesVolume 40, Issue 4 p. 152-154 Interview O&A: Fish Talk with Kristen Dahl Correction(s) for this article Correction Volume 40Issue 5Fisheries pages: 237-237 First Published online: May 21, 2015 Sarah Harrison, Sarah Harrison AFS Contributing Editor [email protected] Kristen Dahl is a Ph.D. student at the University of South Alabama. She is conducting research on the invasive Indo-Pacific Red Lionfish Pterois volitans at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab under the direction of Will Patterson.Search for more papers by this author Sarah Harrison, Sarah Harrison AFS Contributing Editor [email protected] Kristen Dahl is a Ph.D. student at the University of South Alabama. She is conducting research on the invasive Indo-Pacific Red Lionfish Pterois volitans at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab under the direction of Will Patterson.Search for more papers by this author First published: 15 April 2015 https://doi.org/10.1080/03632415.2015.1027161Citations: 1 Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume40, Issue4April 2015Pages 152-154 RelatedInformation

Temporal and Spatial Dynamics of the Lionfish Invasion in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico: Perspectives from a Broadscale Trawl Survey

AbstractThe recent introduction of invasive Indo‐Pacific lionfish species (Red Lionfish Pterois volitans and Devil Firefish P. miles, hereafter collectively referred to as lionfish) into the western Atlantic Ocean has been extensively documented in both the scientific literature and the media. Nevertheless, much of the information synthesized has been obtained via diver‐based surveys and there is likely a depth‐related bias to the understanding of the temporal and spatial dynamics of the lionfish invasion. Accordingly, we examined data from a broadscale fisheries‐independent trawl survey of bare substrates and low‐relief habitats that was initiated in 2008 in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Lionfish were first observed in the survey in 2010, when two individuals were collected off southwestern Florida. The distribution of lionfish continued to expand northward through the Florida panhandle in 2011 and 2012, when 40 and 29 lionfish were collected, respectively. A dramatic increase in the abundance (391 individuals) and distribution of lionfish occurred in 2013. Evidence from this survey suggests that lionfish first colonized deeper (>30 m) low‐relief habitats before populations expanded into shallower waters. The prevalence of lionfish on primarily nonreef habitats at depths beyond those frequented by recreational divers will likely have important implications for efforts to control or eradicate lionfish populations in the region. Moving forward, information from long‐term, multispecies surveys such as this will continue to provide valuable insight into the spatial and temporal dynamics of the lionfish invasion and allow us to assess long‐term ecological consequences of increasing lionfish abundances.Received August 3, 2014; accepted November 7, 2014