By Stephen Beech via SWNS
Lionfish have colonized the Mediterranean Sea in just 10 years, reveals new research.
The study highlights the invasive predators‘ rapid spread – and the potential ecological impacts.
The lionfish species Pterois miles has “significantly expanded” its territory in the Medi since the invasion began around a decade ago, according to the Dutch research team.
Their findings, published in the journal NeoBiota, show that the invasive fish has established a presence in the eastern Mediterranean, with observations now extending to colder waters previously thought to be unsuitable for the species.
Originating from the Indo-Pacific region, the lionfish species Pterois miles and Pterois volitans are regarded as the most successful invasive fish in marine ecosystems – with the capacity to drastically affect local fish communities and biodiversity within invaded areas.
The predators impact ecosystems by preying extensively on local fish, including native species of high conservation value.
As they are unaccustomed to lionfish, native species usually do not flee from the new predator.
Study lead author Davide Bottacini said: “After years studying these predators, I find it amazing how they can easily adjust to so many different environments and be successful in areas that are so different from the ones where they evolve.”
Bottacini, a PhD candidate at Wageningen University and Research, added: “It is always impressive to see how such a flamboyant and–to us–conspicuous predator can approach its prey without being noticed.”
He said the Mediterranean is a “unique” ecosystem with the highly biodiverse basin home to more than 11,000 animal species, some of which are found nowhere else in the world.
Previous genetic studies revealed that lionfish found in the Med originate from the Red Sea and likely entered through the Suez Canal.
The new study also highlights the “crucial” role of citizen science initiatives in tracking and reporting sightings of lionfish, providing valuable data that supports ongoing research projects.
