Non-native lionfish are known to populate most benthic habitats in the western Atlantic and Caribbean basin. This includes both reefs and mangrove systems which are important nursing grounds for juvenile reef fishes. A short-term study on artificial reef tracts containing a single lionfish has shown a significant reduction in recruitment of reef fish species (Albins and Hixon, 2008). Additionally, lionfish in mangrove systems in the Bahamas have been shown to be polyphagus and in direct competition with juvenile grouper species (Barbour et al., 2008).
The locus of introduction to the western Atlantic is unknown. However, six individuals which were released into Biscayne Bay during hurricane Andrew in 1992 are often cited as the initial introduction, though this release is anecdotal and not well documented (Courtenay, 1995). Records also indicate a 1985 capture of a single lionfish in Dania Beach (Florida) (USGS-NAS, 2010). Subsequent to the Biscayne Bay release, lionfish have been recorded from South Florida, northward to North Carolina, which boasts numerous sightings beginning in the year 2000 (USGS-NAS, 2010).
Non-native lionfish are known to populate most benthic habitats in the western Atlantic and Caribbean basin. This includes both reefs and mangrove systems which are important nursing grounds for juvenile reef fishes. A short-term study on artificial reef tracts containing a single lionfish has shown a significant reduction in recruitment of reef fish species (Albins and Hixon, 2008). Additionally, lionfish in mangrove systems in the Bahamas have been shown to be polyphagus and in direct competition with juvenile grouper species (Barbour et al., 2008).
The locus of introduction to the western Atlantic is unknown. However, six individuals which were released into Biscayne Bay during hurricane Andrew in 1992 are often cited as the initial introduction, though this release is anecdotal and not well documented (Courtenay, 1995). Records also indicate a 1985 capture of a single lionfish in Dania Beach (Florida) (USGS-NAS, 2010). Subsequent to the Biscayne Bay release, lionfish have been recorded from South Florida, northward to North Carolina, which boasts numerous sightings beginning in the year 2000 (USGS-NAS, 2010).
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