Page 56 - World of Animals - Issue #33

Alien invasion

Eating fish out of their homes

These predatory lionfish might look fancy, but they’re not fussy
eaters – much to the chagrin of the Caribbean’s native habitants
Genetic research suggests the majority of the Atlantic’s population is expanding at an unsustainable rate. As

lionfish population originate from just a handful of many as 1,000 fish have been recorded in a single
specimens – purportedly six fish that escaped from a acre in some areas.

Miami aquarium amidst the chaos of Hurricane Andrew This gluttonous fish will feast on practically anything
in 1992. That was all that was needed for this prolific that will fit in its mouth – it’s been recorded making

and aggressive breeder to take a stranglehold on the a dinner out of over 50 different species. Capable of

region’s already frail coral reef ecosystems. munching 20 small fish in just half an hour, the lionfish
A single female can lay as many as 2 million eggs in outcompetes the waters’ native predators and deprives
a single year and with no natural predators, the lionfish the reef of species that keep algae levels in check.

BELOW
Lionfi sh are also
known as dragon
fi sh or scorpion
fi sh because
of their spiky
appearance and
predatory nature

Attack of the lionfish

Herd mentality
Lionfish hunt their prey by trapping them in corners, flaring out their pectoral fins to

herd them into danger, before suddenly striking and swallowing their prey whole.

They are capable of devouring fish that are as big as two-thirds their own size.
Self-defence
Native range

Indo-Pacific Oceans The lionfish isn't just an environmental pest; it's capable of delivering a painful sting

Introduced range to humans. Its back is lined with 18 spines, each coated with a potent neurotoxin. But

America’s Atlantic coast, contrary to popular belief, lionfish stings are rarely fatal.
from Boston to Brazil
Method of invasion Top-level predator
Unwanted pets dumped Lionfish have plenty of predators in their natural range, such as eels, sharks and

into ocean groupers. But in the Atlantic, larger fish shy away from the alien intruders, allowing

the population to boom. In Honduras, divers are training sharks to hunt them for food.
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