The 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
masses can float and drift apart for about 25 days before tiny microscopic lionfish larvae are born (Lionfish – Pterois volitans). These larvae will reach full maturity in less than a year, allowing them to reproduce and keep the cycle of the invasion going. In warmer climate waters such as the Atlantic and Caribbean ocean a lionfish is able to spawn every four days (Lionfish – Pterois volitans). Since the nutrient rich waters of these oceans allow the lionfish to n... ... middle of paper ...
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