Lionfish Research Paper
The Invasion of Lionfish
Did you know that almost eighty percent of the fish living on a reef could be killed by a single fish that is only about the size of a human hand? This fish happens to be called the lionfish and is mostly known for its beautiful features and deadly poison. Lionfish are indigenous to the Pacific Ocean; however, they have recently invaded the Atlantic Ocean and are growing in population at an uncontrollable rate. Marine biologists and even everyday snorkelers fear the dangers of these fish and have even started taking the matters of getting rid of them into their own hands. On the other hand doctors, chefs, and even snorkelers consider lionfish to be very useful and entertaining. According to marine biologists, the …show more content…
invasion of lionfish into the waters of the Atlantic Ocean is having a deadly effect on coral reefs and marine life. Scientists state that lionfish are only destructive creatures, but doctors, chefs, and divers argue that lionfish are also beneficial. Not only do lionfish make beautiful pets and boost the tourism of places like the Bahamas, but doctors are even saying that the venom produced by a lionfish could one day help cure cancer.
The average lionfish ranges from six to twelve inches in length (Scorpion fish). Although
Escobar 2 very small, the lionfish is known for their violent attacks on prey, and long, wavy tentacles that resemble the mane of a lion. The lionfish is indigenous to the Indo-Pacific Ocean, but over the last few years it has taken over the Atlantic Ocean (Dornfeld 1). Many people wonder how this fish could end up thousands of miles away from its original habitat. Although the exact reason why lionfish arrived in the Atlantic Ocean is still unclear, there are many possible theories. According to Ann Dornfeld, “In 1922, Hurricane Andrew smashed an aquarium tank in Florida. About a half-dozen spiny, venomous lionfish washed into the Atlantic Ocean, which spawned the invasion” (Dornfeld 1). In the following years, single lionfish were spotted very rarely, but people neglected to take notice of these non-native fish because they had never seen them before. It was not until 2007 that scientists began to notice a large increase in the population of these fish (“Deadly” 1). University zoology professor Mark Hixon said that “in 2005, the first lionfish showed up and we didn’t pay much attention to them. The next year, we saw a few more. Then in 2007 there was a population explosion, and we had no choice but to start studying these fish because they were eating the fish we were studying” ( qtd. in Dornfeld 1). This small accident, which released only a few lionfish into the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, may end up being the most detrimental thing that has ever happened to the Atlantic Ocean (Hixon, Albins, Redinger 1).
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Since 2005, the population of the lionfish has increased substantially, and is quickly growing out of control (Hixon 2). The reproduction system of the lionfish is very unique and plays a key role in their recent population boom. A female lionfish is capable of releasing four thousand to thirty thousand fertilized eggs at one time(“Diving with Lionfish” 3). These eggs survive for days and often flow with the currents dispersing the eggs over a vast region (“Deadly”1). This explains how the lionfish have dispersed over such a large area: their eggs are often carried hundreds of miles in currents. Only four days after fertilization, the lionfish is already a skilled swimmer and hunter (“Diving with lionfish” 3). Also, “lionfish quickly bulk up and develop large body size early in their life cycle. This early maturity makes them more likely to avoid attack by predators and increases the chances of them mating successfully” (“Diving with lionfish” 3). According to Hixon, another major factor allowing lionfish to multiply in such great numbers is their lack of natural predators. Lionfish have thirteen extremely venomous spines, which offer defense. Hixon also states that because Lionfish are indigenous to the Pacific Ocean the fish and parasites that live in the Atlantic do not recognize these fish. Zoologist Paul Sikkel says, “The parasites that would be swarming all over a local fish aren’t even touching the lionfish. This is a big reason for the invasion and the rapid growth of this animal” (qtd.in Dornfeld 2). These are the reasons why the population of the lionfish is increasing so rapidly.
Escobar 4 Hixon and others feel that due to their population explosion and eating habits, lionfish could become the most devastating marine invasion of all time (Hixon, Albins, Redinger 1).
Although lionfish might appear small and pretty, they are fierce predators that constantly hunt for their prey (“Lionfish decimating” 1). Mark Albins, a student doctor who was working with Hixon, says that about eighty percent of the fish living on a single reef can be killed by a lionfish in as little time as five weeks. He also says that lionfish are practically fearless and often consume preys that are almost as big as the lionfish themselves.
In addition, the coral reef itself depends on these fish for numerous reasons, and because the lionfish are eating all the fish, the reef suffers (lionfish decimating 2). Hixon states that the lionfish often preys on parrot fish, which are herbivores that eat the weeds and grass of the reef. The problem is that when all the parrot fish have been eaten, the reef becomes encompassed by grass and weeds and eventually dies (Lionfish decimating 3).
These deadly effects that lionfish have on coral reefs and the fish that live on them also have a negative impact on the surrounding marine life. Hixon states that coral reefs are a major part of the water’s ecosystems and when you damage them all the marine organisms that live of these reefs or the fish that live around the reef will be negatively …show more content…
affected.
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Lionfish stings also pose a serious danger to swimmers and divers who are looking to enjoy the beauties of a reef. Fish are not the only ones who have to watch out for lionfish.
“Lionfish ranked second in total number of stings to a human with forty thousand annually” (“Diving with Lionfish1”).
This shows that lionfish, with their fearless attitudes, will sting anything that comes too close. A single prick from a lionfish can cause hours of pain and even paralysis (Gupta 1). I myself have been stung by a lionfish on the finger, so I know to keep a close eye on them when I am snorkeling. The problem is that lionfish do an excellent job of blending in with the reef. Lionfish have golden brown and white stripes which help them camouflage with the reef, and their fins and tentacles are long and wavy, giving them the appearance of a piece of seaweed. This is why lionfish are not only dangerous to fish but also to humans.
Lionfish do have a few positive qualities in that they make beautiful pets, boost tourism in places where snorkeling is prominent, and may provide advancements in the field of medicine. Even though lionfish are extremely venomous, people still travel all around the world to catch a glimpse of these amazingly beautiful fish (Gupta 3). Lionfish are also attracting people to places like the Bahamas and Florida Keys because they make a delicious meal (Gupta 3). The texture
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6 and taste of a lionfish is often compared to the grouper or hogfish, which are both known to be very good tasting fish (Gupta 3). The August moon café in Nassau Bahamas has been serving lionfish on their menu since 2007, and many other restaurants in the Bahamas have followed their lead. (Gupta 5)
Lionfish venom may one day help prevent heart attacks (“Extract toxic”). The zoology department at the University of Maryland showed that venomous spines on a lionfish produce a toxin that decreased the heart rate in isolated frog and clam hearts (“Extract toxic”). With more research lionfish could become a major factor in preventing heart attacks and other heart diseases in humans. Another great aspect of lionfish is that they make beautiful pets for household aquariums. Many people myself included have lionfish in their aquariums at home because they are so gorgeous and beautiful creatures to look at. This is why even though lionfish are extremely deadly to the fish and their ecosystems they still have a few positive qualities. Although lionfish are very dangerous, people have had enough of their destroying reefs and have started taking action themselves. People in the Bahamas and keys have started to make traps in attempts to catch and kill these fish (Gupta 3). The Bahamas holds tournaments to see who can spear the most lionfish in a day with the winner receiving a cash prize (Gupta 3). The
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Bahamian National Trust is even encouraging local restaurants to serve lionfish on their menu in the hopes that the population of the lionfish will decrease (Gupta 5). These people realize the serious dangers that face the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and are not only persuading others to help by either hunting or eating lionfish
Currently today lionfish have invaded the Gulf of Mexico and South American waters (“Gulf”). “According to the Center for Costal Fisheries and Habitat Research there are more than 1,000 lionfish per acre in some areas” (“Gulf” ). The CCFHR fears that this invasion will hurt the conservation of coral reefs just as it has in the Atlantic Ocean, and is currently leading studies on how this invasion occurred. (“Gulf”). Despite the positive things it is clear the damage caused by the lionfish outweighs the good. According to marine biologists, the invasion of lionfish into the waters of the Atlantic Ocean is having a deadly effect on coral reefs and marine life. Scientists state that lionfish are only destructive creatures, but others argue that lionfish are beneficial. Not only do lionfish make beautiful pets and boost the tourism of places like the Bahamas, but doctors are even saying that the venom produced by a lionfish could one day help cure cancer. I have had the privilege of having a house in the Bahamas and have personally seen the devastating effects that lionfish have on coral reefs and the fish that live off these reefs. Many of the coral reefs that I would snorkel as a small child have now been either totally wiped away or severely depleted
Escobar 8 because of the lionfish. Also, many of the ship wrecks and large coral heads are so infested with these fish that I hesitate to get near them in fear of the poisonous venom that the lionfish contains. I also fear that the deadly effects that these lionfish have on coral reefs will have a devastating ripple effect on the food chain and lead to even bigger problems. Even though the lionfish has a few positive qualities, the negative effects outweigh the positives substantially. I also fear that if we do not act soon on this matter and help to do away with lionfish, Coral reefs and many fish that depend of reefs could become a thing of the past.
Did you know that almost eighty percent of the fish living on a reef could be killed by a single fish that is only about the size of a human hand? This fish happens to be called the lionfish and is mostly known for its beautiful features and deadly poison. Lionfish are indigenous to the Pacific Ocean; however, they have recently invaded the Atlantic Ocean and are growing in population at an uncontrollable rate. Marine biologists and even everyday snorkelers fear the dangers of these fish and have even started taking the matters of getting rid of them into their own hands. On the other hand doctors, chefs, and even snorkelers consider lionfish to be very useful and entertaining. According to marine biologists, the …show more content…
invasion of lionfish into the waters of the Atlantic Ocean is having a deadly effect on coral reefs and marine life. Scientists state that lionfish are only destructive creatures, but doctors, chefs, and divers argue that lionfish are also beneficial. Not only do lionfish make beautiful pets and boost the tourism of places like the Bahamas, but doctors are even saying that the venom produced by a lionfish could one day help cure cancer.
The average lionfish ranges from six to twelve inches in length (Scorpion fish). Although
Escobar 2 very small, the lionfish is known for their violent attacks on prey, and long, wavy tentacles that resemble the mane of a lion. The lionfish is indigenous to the Indo-Pacific Ocean, but over the last few years it has taken over the Atlantic Ocean (Dornfeld 1). Many people wonder how this fish could end up thousands of miles away from its original habitat. Although the exact reason why lionfish arrived in the Atlantic Ocean is still unclear, there are many possible theories. According to Ann Dornfeld, “In 1922, Hurricane Andrew smashed an aquarium tank in Florida. About a half-dozen spiny, venomous lionfish washed into the Atlantic Ocean, which spawned the invasion” (Dornfeld 1). In the following years, single lionfish were spotted very rarely, but people neglected to take notice of these non-native fish because they had never seen them before. It was not until 2007 that scientists began to notice a large increase in the population of these fish (“Deadly” 1). University zoology professor Mark Hixon said that “in 2005, the first lionfish showed up and we didn’t pay much attention to them. The next year, we saw a few more. Then in 2007 there was a population explosion, and we had no choice but to start studying these fish because they were eating the fish we were studying” ( qtd. in Dornfeld 1). This small accident, which released only a few lionfish into the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, may end up being the most detrimental thing that has ever happened to the Atlantic Ocean (Hixon, Albins, Redinger 1).
Escobar3
Since 2005, the population of the lionfish has increased substantially, and is quickly growing out of control (Hixon 2). The reproduction system of the lionfish is very unique and plays a key role in their recent population boom. A female lionfish is capable of releasing four thousand to thirty thousand fertilized eggs at one time(“Diving with Lionfish” 3). These eggs survive for days and often flow with the currents dispersing the eggs over a vast region (“Deadly”1). This explains how the lionfish have dispersed over such a large area: their eggs are often carried hundreds of miles in currents. Only four days after fertilization, the lionfish is already a skilled swimmer and hunter (“Diving with lionfish” 3). Also, “lionfish quickly bulk up and develop large body size early in their life cycle. This early maturity makes them more likely to avoid attack by predators and increases the chances of them mating successfully” (“Diving with lionfish” 3). According to Hixon, another major factor allowing lionfish to multiply in such great numbers is their lack of natural predators. Lionfish have thirteen extremely venomous spines, which offer defense. Hixon also states that because Lionfish are indigenous to the Pacific Ocean the fish and parasites that live in the Atlantic do not recognize these fish. Zoologist Paul Sikkel says, “The parasites that would be swarming all over a local fish aren’t even touching the lionfish. This is a big reason for the invasion and the rapid growth of this animal” (qtd.in Dornfeld 2). These are the reasons why the population of the lionfish is increasing so rapidly.
Escobar 4 Hixon and others feel that due to their population explosion and eating habits, lionfish could become the most devastating marine invasion of all time (Hixon, Albins, Redinger 1).
Although lionfish might appear small and pretty, they are fierce predators that constantly hunt for their prey (“Lionfish decimating” 1). Mark Albins, a student doctor who was working with Hixon, says that about eighty percent of the fish living on a single reef can be killed by a lionfish in as little time as five weeks. He also says that lionfish are practically fearless and often consume preys that are almost as big as the lionfish themselves.
In addition, the coral reef itself depends on these fish for numerous reasons, and because the lionfish are eating all the fish, the reef suffers (lionfish decimating 2). Hixon states that the lionfish often preys on parrot fish, which are herbivores that eat the weeds and grass of the reef. The problem is that when all the parrot fish have been eaten, the reef becomes encompassed by grass and weeds and eventually dies (Lionfish decimating 3).
These deadly effects that lionfish have on coral reefs and the fish that live on them also have a negative impact on the surrounding marine life. Hixon states that coral reefs are a major part of the water’s ecosystems and when you damage them all the marine organisms that live of these reefs or the fish that live around the reef will be negatively …show more content…
affected.
Escobar 5
Lionfish stings also pose a serious danger to swimmers and divers who are looking to enjoy the beauties of a reef. Fish are not the only ones who have to watch out for lionfish.
“Lionfish ranked second in total number of stings to a human with forty thousand annually” (“Diving with Lionfish1”).
This shows that lionfish, with their fearless attitudes, will sting anything that comes too close. A single prick from a lionfish can cause hours of pain and even paralysis (Gupta 1). I myself have been stung by a lionfish on the finger, so I know to keep a close eye on them when I am snorkeling. The problem is that lionfish do an excellent job of blending in with the reef. Lionfish have golden brown and white stripes which help them camouflage with the reef, and their fins and tentacles are long and wavy, giving them the appearance of a piece of seaweed. This is why lionfish are not only dangerous to fish but also to humans.
Lionfish do have a few positive qualities in that they make beautiful pets, boost tourism in places where snorkeling is prominent, and may provide advancements in the field of medicine. Even though lionfish are extremely venomous, people still travel all around the world to catch a glimpse of these amazingly beautiful fish (Gupta 3). Lionfish are also attracting people to places like the Bahamas and Florida Keys because they make a delicious meal (Gupta 3). The texture
Escobar
6 and taste of a lionfish is often compared to the grouper or hogfish, which are both known to be very good tasting fish (Gupta 3). The August moon café in Nassau Bahamas has been serving lionfish on their menu since 2007, and many other restaurants in the Bahamas have followed their lead. (Gupta 5)
Lionfish venom may one day help prevent heart attacks (“Extract toxic”). The zoology department at the University of Maryland showed that venomous spines on a lionfish produce a toxin that decreased the heart rate in isolated frog and clam hearts (“Extract toxic”). With more research lionfish could become a major factor in preventing heart attacks and other heart diseases in humans. Another great aspect of lionfish is that they make beautiful pets for household aquariums. Many people myself included have lionfish in their aquariums at home because they are so gorgeous and beautiful creatures to look at. This is why even though lionfish are extremely deadly to the fish and their ecosystems they still have a few positive qualities. Although lionfish are very dangerous, people have had enough of their destroying reefs and have started taking action themselves. People in the Bahamas and keys have started to make traps in attempts to catch and kill these fish (Gupta 3). The Bahamas holds tournaments to see who can spear the most lionfish in a day with the winner receiving a cash prize (Gupta 3). The
Escobar 7
Bahamian National Trust is even encouraging local restaurants to serve lionfish on their menu in the hopes that the population of the lionfish will decrease (Gupta 5). These people realize the serious dangers that face the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and are not only persuading others to help by either hunting or eating lionfish
Currently today lionfish have invaded the Gulf of Mexico and South American waters (“Gulf”). “According to the Center for Costal Fisheries and Habitat Research there are more than 1,000 lionfish per acre in some areas” (“Gulf” ). The CCFHR fears that this invasion will hurt the conservation of coral reefs just as it has in the Atlantic Ocean, and is currently leading studies on how this invasion occurred. (“Gulf”). Despite the positive things it is clear the damage caused by the lionfish outweighs the good. According to marine biologists, the invasion of lionfish into the waters of the Atlantic Ocean is having a deadly effect on coral reefs and marine life. Scientists state that lionfish are only destructive creatures, but others argue that lionfish are beneficial. Not only do lionfish make beautiful pets and boost the tourism of places like the Bahamas, but doctors are even saying that the venom produced by a lionfish could one day help cure cancer. I have had the privilege of having a house in the Bahamas and have personally seen the devastating effects that lionfish have on coral reefs and the fish that live off these reefs. Many of the coral reefs that I would snorkel as a small child have now been either totally wiped away or severely depleted
Escobar 8 because of the lionfish. Also, many of the ship wrecks and large coral heads are so infested with these fish that I hesitate to get near them in fear of the poisonous venom that the lionfish contains. I also fear that the deadly effects that these lionfish have on coral reefs will have a devastating ripple effect on the food chain and lead to even bigger problems. Even though the lionfish has a few positive qualities, the negative effects outweigh the positives substantially. I also fear that if we do not act soon on this matter and help to do away with lionfish, Coral reefs and many fish that depend of reefs could become a thing of the past.