General Impact
For a detailed account of the environmental impacts of Pterois volitans please read: Pterois volitans (Indo-Pacific Red Lionfish) Impacts Information. The information in this document is summarised below.
Invasive lionfish are a concern to coastal managers due to their potential threat to fisheries resources, native fish communities and human health (Morris et al. 2008).
Ecosystem change: While few ecological studies have been conducted (but see Albins & Hixon 2008) it is clear that the lionfish’s presence in the Caribbean is a worrying one. Lionfish are highly piscivorous and reduce the recruitment of juvenile fishes, which in turn disrupts marine ecosystem processes and reduces reef biodiversity (Albins and Hixon 2008; Morris et al. 2008).
Reduction in native biodiversity: If their populations are allowed to continue growing unchecked, lionfish have the potential to severely reduce reef biodiversity, with the possible extinction of several species; although it is still too early to be definitive, anecdotal evidence from the Bahamas corroborates this premise (Dell 2009).
Predation: Albins and Hixon (2008) showed that lionfish can drastically reduce recruitment of native fishes on small patch reefs in the Bahamas. They are potentially capable of decimating indigenous reef fish populations in the Caribbean due to their lack of natural predators and voracious appetite (Valdez Mascari & Aguiar 2009).
Competition: Not only do lionfish consume large quantities of juvenile fish (such as grouper and yellow-tail snapper) but they also out-compete native species (such as scamp, gag, and yellow-mouth grouper) for food (Morris et al. 2008; Dell 2009).
Economic/Livelihoods: In addition, by reducing populations of commercially important species such as grouper (Albins and Hixon 2008) they may as a consequence damage the economy of island communities which are dependent on such fishing industries.
Human health: Lionfish are venomous with their spines containing apocrine-type venom glands (Morris et al. 2008). Lionfish venom has been found to cause cardiovascular, neuromuscular, and cytolytic effects ranging from mild reactions such as swelling to extreme pain and paralysis in upper and lower extremities (Kizer et al. 1985, in Morris et al. 2008). The toxin in lionfish venom contains acetylcholine and a neurotoxin that affects neuromuscular transmission (Cohen and Olek 1989, in Morris et al. 2008). Lionfish spines can prove dangerous to divers, snorkelers and aquarium enthusiasts (Morris et al. 2008; Schofield 2009). Stings are not fatal, but intensely painful and often requiring hospitalisation (Morris et al. 2008). Lionfish stings can be treated by heating the afflicted part in hot water (to 45° C) for 30 to 90 minutes and applying corticoids to the area (FishBase 2006); medical attention should be sought immediately (Cayman Islands Government Undated).
Location Specific Impacts:Gulf of Mexico (Atlantic Ocean) 
Reduction in native biodiversity: The very warm waters, shallow habitats and abundance of small fish increases the potential that the expansion of the range of the lionfish to the Gulf of Mexico will lead to the loss of certain species of fish, particularly the smaller species (please see this informative video of the Bermuda culling program featuring an interview with Chris Flook (Bermuda Aquarium Museum & Zoo) on YouTube). Lesser Antilles (Atlantic Ocean)
Competition: The large reduction in the recruitment of fishes resulting from lionfish predation suggests that the lionfish may compete with native piscivores by monopolising this important food resource (Albins & Hixon 2008).
Ecosystem change: Invasive lionfish are already having substantial negative impacts on Atlantic coral reefs (Albins & Hixon 2008). By decreasing the recruitment of fishes, lionfish have the potential to decrease the abundance of ecologically important species, such as parrotfishes and other herbivorous reef fishes, which are crucial for preventing seaweeds from overgrowing corals (Williams & Polunin 2001, Mumby et al. 2006, in Albins & Hixon 2008).
Predation: The lionfish represents a potential major threat to coral-reef ecosystems in the Caribbean region by decreasing survival of a wide range of native reef animals via both predation and competition (Albins & Hixon 2008). Considering the sizes of lionfish currently found in the Atlantic (up to 45 cm TL, Whitfield et al. 2007, in Albins & Hixon 2008), and the size of prey fish found in stomach contents, the effects of lionfish predation on adult fish is also likely to represent a significant impact of this invasive species on native communities (Albins & Hixon 2008). Bahamas
Ecosystem change: Albins and Hixon (2008) showed that lionfish can drastically reduce recruitment of native fishes on small patch reefs in the Bahamas. A diet study of Bahamian lionfish was completed by Morris and Akins (In Press) that showed lionfish primarily eat teleost fishes (they documented 41 species in 21 families) as well as some crustaceans (about 15 % of the diet by volume) (in Schofield 2009). Also in the Bahamas, lionfish were found in the stomachs of groupers (Maljkovic et al. 2008, in Schofield 2009); however, it is unclear how common predation on lionfish occurs. Bermuda
Competition: The large reduction in the recruitment of fishes resulting from lionfish predation suggests that the lionfish may compete with native piscivores by monopolising this important food resource (Albins & Hixon 2008).
Ecosystem change: Invasive lionfish are already having substantial negative impacts on Atlantic coral reefs (Albins & Hixon 2008). By decreasing the recruitment of fishes, lionfish have the potential to decrease the abundance of ecologically important species, such as parrotfishes and other herbivorous reef fishes, which are crucial for preventing seaweeds from overgrowing corals (Williams & Polunin 2001, Mumby et al. 2006, in Albins & Hixon 2008).
Predation: The lionfish represents a potential major threat to coral-reef ecosystems in the Caribbean region by decreasing survival of a wide range of native reef animals via both predation and competition (Albins & Hixon 2008). Considering the sizes of lionfish currently found in the Atlantic (up to 45 cm TL, Whitfield et al. 2007, in Albins & Hixon 2008), and the size of prey fish found in stomach contents, the effects of lionfish predation on adult fish is also likely to represent a significant impact of this invasive species on native communities (Albins & Hixon 2008). Cayman Islands
Human health: P. volitans is equipped with toxic spines which deter predators and can cause painful wounds in humans (Cayman Islands Government Undated). It is well established that red lionfish will stand their ground when harassed and, when threatened, will arch their backs, pointing their dorsal spines at the aggressor, and swim forward rapidly in order to inflict a sting. Poisoning of the hand from the venomous sting has been the most common injury. It should also be stressed that serious wounds have also resulted from the careless handling of recently dead specimens. The sting of the red lionfish causes intense pain immediately and leads to several hours of extreme pain, depending upon the amount of venom received. Other symptoms of the sting may include swelling, redness, bleeding, nausea, numbness, joint pain, anxiety, headache, disorientation, dizziness, nausea, paralysis, and convulsions. If you or someone you know gets stung by a lionfish it is advised to immerse the wound in hot but non-scalding water for 30 to 90 minutes and seek medical attention immediately (Cayman Islands Government Undated).
Predation: This invasive fish is a ravenous predator which eats juvenile fish and crustaceans (including shrimps and lobsters) in large quantities. It is not known to have many native predators (Cayman Islands Government Undated). Cayman Brac (Cayman Islands)
Human health: The lionfish’s venomous spines, designed to deter large marine predators, and can inflict painful wounds in humans (DaCosta-Cottam et al. 2009). If you or someone you know gets stung by a lionfish it is advised to immerse the wound in hot but non-scalding water for 30 to 90 minutes and seek medical attention immediately (Cayman Islands Government Undated). Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands)
Human health: The lionfish’s venomous spines, designed to deter large marine predators, and can inflict painful wounds in humans (DaCosta-Cottam et al. 2009). If you or someone you know gets stung by a lionfish it is advised to immerse the wound in hot but non-scalding water for 30 to 90 minutes and seek medical attention immediately (Cayman Islands Government Undated). Little Cayman (Cayman Islands)
Human health: The lionfish’s venomous spines, designed to deter large marine predators, and can inflict painful wounds in humans (DaCosta-Cottam et al. 2009). If you or someone you know gets stung by a lionfish it is advised to immerse the wound in hot but non-scalding water for 30 to 90 minutes and seek medical attention immediately (Cayman Islands Government Undated).
Predation: The lionfish has a voracious appetite, eating juvenile fish, shrimp and crabs. It has no known natural predators in Little Cayman. Establishment of this species could have potentially negative impact on the biodiversity on the reefs (Central Caribbean Marine Institute 2007-2009).
Reduction in native biodiversity: As voracious carnivores, not only do lionfish consume large quantities of juveniles and small fish but they also out-compete native species (such as scamp, gag, and yellowmouth grouper) for food (Dell 2009). If their populations are allowed to continue growing unchecked, lionfish have the potential to severely reduce reef biodiversity, with the possible extinction of several species. Although it is still too early to be definitive, anecdotal evidence from the Bahamas corroborates this premise (Dell 2009). Jamaica
Competition: The large reduction in the recruitment of fishes resulting from lionfish predation suggests that the lionfish may compete with native piscivores by monopolising this important food resource (Albins & Hixon 2008).
Ecosystem change: Invasive lionfish are already having substantial negative impacts on Atlantic coral reefs (Albins & Hixon 2008). By decreasing the recruitment of fishes, lionfish have the potential to decrease the abundance of ecologically important species, such as parrotfishes and other herbivorous reef fishes, which are crucial for preventing seaweeds from overgrowing corals (Williams & Polunin 2001, Mumby et al. 2006, in Albins & Hixon 2008).
Predation: The lionfish represents a potential major threat to coral-reef ecosystems in the Caribbean region by decreasing survival of a wide range of native reef animals via both predation and competition (Albins & Hixon 2008). Considering the sizes of lionfish currently found in the Atlantic (up to 45 cm TL, Whitfield et al. 2007, in Albins & Hixon 2008), and the size of prey fish found in stomach contents, the effects of lionfish predation on adult fish is also likely to represent a significant impact of this invasive species on native communities (Albins & Hixon 2008). Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico)
Competition: The large reduction in the recruitment of fishes resulting from lionfish predation suggests that the lionfish may compete with native piscivores by monopolising this important food resource (Albins & Hixon 2008).
Ecosystem change: Invasive lionfish are already having substantial negative impacts on Atlantic coral reefs (Albins & Hixon 2008). By decreasing the recruitment of fishes, lionfish have the potential to decrease the abundance of ecologically important species, such as parrotfishes and other herbivorous reef fishes, which are crucial for preventing seaweeds from overgrowing corals (Williams & Polunin 2001, Mumby et al. 2006, in Albins & Hixon 2008).
Predation: The lionfish represents a potential major threat to coral-reef ecosystems in the Caribbean region by decreasing survival of a wide range of native reef animals via both predation and competition (Albins & Hixon 2008). Considering the sizes of lionfish currently found in the Atlantic (up to 45 cm TL, Whitfield et al. 2007, in Albins & Hixon 2008), and the size of prey fish found in stomach contents, the effects of lionfish predation on adult fish is also likely to represent a significant impact of this invasive species on native communities (Albins & Hixon 2008). Puerto Rico
Competition: The large reduction in the recruitment of fishes resulting from lionfish predation suggests that the lionfish may compete with native piscivores by monopolising this important food resource (Albins & Hixon 2008).
Ecosystem change: Invasive lionfish are already having substantial negative impacts on Atlantic coral reefs (Albins & Hixon 2008). By decreasing the recruitment of fishes, lionfish have the potential to decrease the abundance of ecologically important species, such as parrotfishes and other herbivorous reef fishes, which are crucial for preventing seaweeds from overgrowing corals (Williams & Polunin 2001, Mumby et al. 2006, in Albins & Hixon 2008).
Predation: The lionfish represents a potential major threat to coral-reef ecosystems in the Caribbean region by decreasing survival of a wide range of native reef animals via both predation and competition (Albins & Hixon 2008). Considering the sizes of lionfish currently found in the Atlantic (up to 45 cm TL, Whitfield et al. 2007, in Albins & Hixon 2008), and the size of prey fish found in stomach contents, the effects of lionfish predation on adult fish is also likely to represent a significant impact of this invasive species on native communities (Albins & Hixon 2008). Rhode Island (United States (USA))
Ecosystem change: Invasive lionfish are already having substantial negative impacts on Atlantic coral reefs (Albins & Hixon 2008). By decreasing the recruitment of fishes, lionfish have the potential to decrease the abundance of ecologically important species, such as parrotfishes and other herbivorous reef fishes, which are crucial for preventing seaweeds from overgrowing corals (Williams & Polunin 2001, Mumby et al. 2006, in Albins & Hixon 2008). Florida (USA) (United States (USA))
Competition: P. volitans may compete with native predators (Albins & Hixon 2008).
Ecosystem change: This invasive carnivore may cause deleterious changes in coral-reef ecosystems via predation on native fishes and invertebrates (Albins & Hixon 2008). Albins and Hixon (2008) conducted a controlled field experiment to examine the short-term effects of lionfish on the recruitment of native reef fishes in the Bahamas. Lionfish caused significant reductions in the recruitment of native fishes by an average of 79% over the 5 wk duration of the experiment. This strong effect on a key life stage of coral-reef fishes suggests that invasive lionfish are already having substantial negative impacts on Atlantic coral reefs.
Human health: Divers around Florida are being exposed to a new hazard - the beautiful but poisonous lionfish (Pterois volitans). The poison released by their sharp spines can cause extremely painful stings to humans - even leading to fatalities for some people with heart problems or allergic reactions (IUCN 2009).
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