Attended a talk at DEMA on the Lion Fish invasion in the Atlantic presented by REEF and representatives from (I think) the US and Bermuda national aquaria. My notes follow:
Lion Fish are well established on the US Eastern seaboard and in several islands, including Bermuda.
Not likely they can be eradicated where they’ve already established because:
They are prolific breeders
They live in depths from shallow to 500 ft.
They seem to have no natural control in the Atlantic.
If there is a natural control agent in the Indo-Pacific, it is not yet known. Some evidence that their population is controlled simply by small fish (their food) avoiding them. Atlantic small fish don’t know better and even appear to flock to them, perhaps thinking they can hide in the Lion Fish’ frill.
Larger specimens have been found in the Atlantic than in their natural Indo-Pacific.
Adult Lion Fish decimate their home area of small fish in a short time.
With that gloomy picture what is to be done? The recommendation is to prevent farther spread by eradicating early populations while they are still small (e.g. in the Caymans). How?
Can be killed by spearing or caught in nets, but be careful – their barbs carry a painful venom. Hot water is recommended first aid.
For limiting established colonies, Bermuda has:
Spread the word that they are tasty (after you get past their uncooked smell).
Issued special spear-fishing permits for Lion Fish.
Educated the locals about the damage Lion Fish cause.
How did they get established? Presenters are pretty confident it is from the aquarium trade.
Combination of harsh conditions in ships’ bilges not conducive to Lion Fish survival; and noting that all of the approximately 20 alien invader fish found on the US East Coast are among the most frequently imported by aquarists. Fortunately, the other species have not established.
The agencies represented continue to study Lion Fish in the hopes of learning more effective methods.
Lion Fish are well established on the US Eastern seaboard and in several islands, including Bermuda.
Not likely they can be eradicated where they’ve already established because:
They are prolific breeders
They live in depths from shallow to 500 ft.
They seem to have no natural control in the Atlantic.
If there is a natural control agent in the Indo-Pacific, it is not yet known. Some evidence that their population is controlled simply by small fish (their food) avoiding them. Atlantic small fish don’t know better and even appear to flock to them, perhaps thinking they can hide in the Lion Fish’ frill.
Larger specimens have been found in the Atlantic than in their natural Indo-Pacific.
Adult Lion Fish decimate their home area of small fish in a short time.
With that gloomy picture what is to be done? The recommendation is to prevent farther spread by eradicating early populations while they are still small (e.g. in the Caymans). How?
Can be killed by spearing or caught in nets, but be careful – their barbs carry a painful venom. Hot water is recommended first aid.
For limiting established colonies, Bermuda has:
Spread the word that they are tasty (after you get past their uncooked smell).
Issued special spear-fishing permits for Lion Fish.
Educated the locals about the damage Lion Fish cause.
How did they get established? Presenters are pretty confident it is from the aquarium trade.
Combination of harsh conditions in ships’ bilges not conducive to Lion Fish survival; and noting that all of the approximately 20 alien invader fish found on the US East Coast are among the most frequently imported by aquarists. Fortunately, the other species have not established.
The agencies represented continue to study Lion Fish in the hopes of learning more effective methods.
