Invasive Species

Lionfish are the Major Invasive Species Threatening Turneffe And Belize.

Lionfish

Lionfish (pterois volitans) are an invasive species now found throughout the Caribbean. They are, without a doubt, a serious problem at Turneffe.

Lionfish are a Pacific fish thought to have been inadvertently introduced in the Caribbean in the mid 90s, possibly as aquarium species accidently released. They are prolific breeders with voracious appetites. Items found in lionfish stomachs suggest they eat juvenile spiny lobster and coral-reef fishes decreasing the abundance of fishes that keep seaweeds and macroalgae from overgrowing corals. Unfortunately, they have no natural predators in Belize, or elsewhere in the Caribbean.

Lionfish have proliferated and are now regularly seen by divers and snorkelers. Efforts to reduce their numbers include spear fishing as they are slow and quite susceptible. Of note is that larger reef predators, including moray eels, sharks and groupers, are now attracted to dead lionfish and will readily eat them. These predators have recently been witnessed feeding on live lionfish. Hopefully, this will eventually help to control their expanding population; but only if populations of groupers and other reef predators don’t continue to decline. Unfortunately, lionfish are being caught by fishermen at depths of 500+ feet so this is not only a shallow reef problem.

Anyone who attempts to capture or kill lionfish should take precaution as stings from lionfish can be serious. If stung, immerse wound in hot water for 15-20 minutes.