[Coral-List] lionfish biology and ecology review paper

[Lad Akins]

HI All,

Following is the link to a recent paper on invasive lionfish providing a
summary of lionfish biology and ecology gleaned from the literature and
recent observations.  

http://www.ccfhr.noaa.gov/documents/morrisetal_2009.pdf

As lionfish are rapidly spreading into the Caribbean (and soon to be Gulf of
Mexico), we hope this information will provide local managers with accurate
information, which they can use to educate the public and increase awareness
and management actions.  We are continuing to track to the spread of
lionfish, so please remember to report any sightings/collections to the
USGS/NOAA/REEF international sightings database
<http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.asp?speciesID=963>
http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.asp?speciesID=963. If you want to
stay informed about sightings in new locations, please sign up to receive
lionfish alerts at  <http://nas.er.usgs.gov/AlertSystem/default.asp>
http://nas.er.usgs.gov/AlertSystem/default.asp .  

Some locations are now working to develop local lionfish response plans.  To
assist with this, the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) is
partnering with NOAA, USGS, and Simon Fraser University to hold lionfish
workshops focused on educating local managers, dive operators and fishermen
with early detection and rapid response strategies, handling techniques, and
local market development initiatives.  A media summary of the last workshop
in the Turks and Caicos can be found seen at:

 
<http://wiv4.wordpress.com/2009/01/30/the-decer-holds-conference-on-controll
i>
http://wiv4.wordpress.com/2009/01/30/the-decer-holds-conference-on-controlli
ng-lion-fish-migration/
 
The abstract for the review paper is below.
 
Best Fishes,
Lad
 

************************
Lad Akins
Director of Special Projects
REEF
98300 Overseas Hwy
Key Largo  FL  33037
(305) 852-0030
(305) 942-7333 cell

www.REEF.org 


Biology and Ecology of the Invasive Lionfishes, Pterois miles and Pterois
volitans
JAMES A. MORRIS, JR., J.L. AKINS, A. BARSE, D. CERINO, D.W. FRESHWATER,
S.J. GREEN, R.C. MUÑOZ, C. PARIS, and P.E. WHITFIELD
ABSTRACT
The Indo-Pacific lionfishes, Pterois miles and P. volitans, are now
established along the U.S. southeast coast, Bermuda, 
Bahamas, and are becoming established in the Caribbean. While these lionfish
are popular in the aquarium trade, their biology and
ecology are poorly understood in their native range. Given the rapid
establishment and potential adverse impacts of these invaders,
comprehensive studies of their biology and ecology are warranted. Here we
provide a synopsis of lionfish biology and ecology
including invasion chronology, taxonomy, local abundance, reproduction,
early life history and dispersal, venomology, feeding
ecology, parasitology, potential impacts, and control and management. This
information was collected through review of the
primary literature and published reports and by summarizing current
observations. Suggestions for future research on invasive
lionfish in their invaded regions are provided.
KEY WORDS: Lionfish, invasive species, Pterois