Red Lionfish (Pterois volitans) is an invasive saltwater predator that is increasing exponentially in the tropics of the western Atlantic (Benkwitt, 2013). The Lionfish invasion is causing a dramatic decline in native marine reef species due the gluttony of the lionfish. Lionfish have brown and white stripes covering their body (NOAA, 2011). Lionfish have broad pectoral fins, and long individual dorsal spines that contain the venom glands in the tips (NOAA, 2011). The venom of the lionfish is only
The Invasive Indo-Pacific Lionfish Known as Pterois Volitans in the animal kingdom, also called the red lionfish, is a sight to behold in the tropical waters as they swim like an underwater butterfly in the sea. In waters not native to their origin, as they are from the Pacific and have predators that will have them for a snack. Invasive to the Caribbean Sea they have rapidly reached the Gulf of Mexico and far south, spreading to parts of South America. The lionfish has become a persistent pest that’s
Scourge of the Lionfish The article that I have chosen to write a summary of is the “Scourge of the Lionfish” article series by Carl Safina located at The New York Times website. There are 4 parts to this article, each basically talking about the invasive species of red lionfish that have taken over the Atlantic by storm, how they are impacting the marine life around the Atlantic, and some different ways fishermen have tried to gain control over the ever increasing population of these voracious
In the last 30 years since the lionfish first appeared in the Atlantic Ocean, they have become a destructive nuisance. The lionfish species which are native to the Pacific Rim and Indian Oceans are now invading the Atlantic and Caribbean Oceans, eating any fish that can fit into it's mouth. Scientists don’t believe the invasion will ever be completely eradicated, however if the problem is recognized there are steps that can be taken to try and contain this invasion at a manageable level. Through
Though lionfish meat is not regularly stocked in stores, customers can order it through the Publix Reel Variety program, and expect its arrival in roughly a week. One pound of lionfish meat sold for $27.99 per pound at a Publix in Florida. People have also requested lionfish at the Fort Myers’ Blue Star Seafood store (Tometich, 2015). There is even a lionfish cookbook being written (Morell, 2010). With this growing demand, the lionfish meat market is a viable solution to the lionfish invasion. Other
you were young did you want to grow up to run a non-profit marine conservation organization? A schedule miscommunication took place, and Lad was out in the ocean collecting data when I showed up at REEF Headquarters in Key Largo. However, the new Lionfish Program Coordinator, Elizabeth Underwood was conducting a class for high school students at the time. I sat in on the class, and then interviewed Elizabeth Underwood afterwards. I have to admit to having what feels like an unfair advantage here
kind of fish are covered with the venomous mucus. Their body are covered with scales. Generally speaking, the Scorpaenidae family fish have different number of spines over the course of the body. Most known type pf Scorpaenidae are lionfish and scorpionfish. Lionfish have preorbital bone with 3 spines, spines and third below the diagonal; , big mouth, end position, oblique fissure. Mandible, vomer and jaw bone with villiform teeth group. Gill openings are wide, tetrabranchiate membranes without
Human Effect On The Ocean Every single piece of trash we throw away ends up in the trash at some point in time. 5.25 Trillion pieces of plastic are in the ocean. We are the last line of defense to protect the earth from destruction. You could be the protector or the destroyer of earth pick your side. Although it is very difficult to stop, we have an awful effect on our oceans because we are killing, hurting, and or destroying the ocean and the life within. No one can deny that they have no effect
We have all been underwater at some point in life whether it was in a pool, lake, or in the ocean, but that was probably for a short amount of time. With Scuba Diving, you get the opportunity to be underwater for more than 10 minutes at a time without having to worry about things on the surface. With Scuba Diving already having been banned temporarily a while ago in Crater Lake because of concern about the environmental impacts of invasive species to the marine ecosystems, some people think that
possible enemies, the Indo-Malayan octopus can transform itself into a variety of organisms, including fish, sea snakes, and anemones. If the octopus observes a cluster of damselfishes, it will change into a lionfish by swimming above the ocean floor, with arms extended beyond the body (2). The lionfish is known to possess poisonous spikes, which successfully deter the damselfish from preying upon the mimic octopus. Another possible transformation includes the sole fish. The octopus is able to propel itself
The age of the invasives: The anthropogenic effects leading to the increased spread of tropical marine invasive species in 2050 and beyond Introduction All discussions regarding the phenomenon of invasive species will inherently result in the consensus that they are an unwanted or an even evil entity. Ever since the age of exploration humans have been primary dispersers of these so called “exotic” species (Mooney and Cleland 2001). Famous examples include the release of cane toads in Australia
they’re carrying their eggs. · Mimic octopuses have a unique strategy to avoid predators. They are able to impersonate different animals (some scientists believe they are able to mimic up to 15 different animal species), such as sea snakes, lionfish, jellyfish and flatfish. · While they are mimicking other animals they not only change the colour of the body, like other octopuses, but their change the shape of their body too. Mimic octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus) belongs to the order
Coral environments are vivid and diverse communities found in the clear, warm, shallow waters of the tropics. Coral reefs are home to an astounding number of fish and they play an important role in the ocean. The corals begin life as larvae floating in the ocean until they attach themselves to a hard surface and eventually develop into polyps. The polyps then multiply themselves; until a colony is formed. Corals grow only fifteen centimeters a year and fully mature corals take thousands of years
Mimicry involves deception and imitation; words that perhaps, should not be used in the fish world. However, mimicry is a common act among fish species and involves the ability of a species to evolve so as to look like another species with the aim of increasing its chances at survival. In the fish world, it is typical to see fishes burrowed in the soil or take up a coloration that makes it difficult to distinguish between the fish and its immediate surroundings. It is also considerably easy to see
What is the first thing you think of when you hear the word Florida? Warm weather, Disney World, the ocean, vacation, beautiful beaches? What about endless cockroaches and lizards, relentless humidity, and delusional conspirators everywhere? (Hsiung). Florida is not as perfect as most people believe, in fact, you have a 1 in 31 chance of becoming a victim of a property crime in Florida (Crime Rates for Florida). The high crime rate, overpopulation, dangerous wildlife, and weather conditions are the
Introduction Globalization has successfully increased the amount of trade, transport and tourism around the globe; however, it also facilitates the introduction and spread of non-native species. These alien species are intruders that are not indigenous to a particular ecosystem. Successful alien species become invasive by out-competing native organisms for food and habitat, causing harms to the local ecosystem. Invasive species are believed to be one of the leading threats to native wildlife. They
In today’s society, a lot of what we are exposed to in the media contains bias, resulting in not entirely accurate information. We can choose what we want to believe ignoring certain facts, which could affect the way we live regarding health and happiness. Ignorance is not “bliss”, but can have a negative impact on our health if we choose to ignore what is happening in the world around us. No matter how much you try to silence your surroundings, your culture, what you identify with, and your habits
The Florida Everglades have been slowly and steadily diminishing in size for over many decades. Throughout the years, the Everglades have had an abundant, healthy environment. The massive swamps were once rich with marshland, and had ecosystems chock-full of wildlife. However, due to large corporations, natural disasters and most importantly, the growth of the human population, the Everglades are 50% smaller than they were hundreds of years ago. The destruction of the Florida Everglades includes
Dangerous Animals of the Great Barrier Reef According to Dennis Fulkerson, one of the Australia Explorers (1996), the Great Barrier Reef is "God's underwater playground." Indeed, everyone in the group seemed to have a fabulous time exploring the reef. However, many of the group expressed some amount of fear about snorkelling on the reef, far away from the mainland. I began to wonder if there was really that much to be afraid of. We were only told that it was not box jellyfish season, and, more