todropscience:LIONFISHES ARE INVADING THE MEDITERRANEAN SEAThe Indo-Pacific lionfish (Pterois spp) i
todropscience:LIONFISHES ARE INVADING THE MEDITERRANEAN SEAThe Indo-Pacific lionfish (Pterois spp) in the Atlantic and Caribbean are possibly the worst marine invasion ever. These toxic predators have driving down populations of native species and are continuing to spread, and they may be eating the very last of critically endangered species.Now, evidence collated from divers and fishermen reveals that in the space of a year, the poisonous predators have colonised Cyprus, in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea .And these may be at the vanguard of a pan-Atlantic Ocean invasion following the widening and deepening of the Suez Canal. The report is published in Marine Biodiversity Records.Until now, few sightings of the alien lionfish (Pterois miles) have been reported in the Mediterranean and it was questionable whether the species could invade this region like it has in the western Atlantic. Researchers collated information on reported encounters in coastal waters from divers, spearfishers and fishermen, and conducted interviews, gathering photographic and video evidence, and recording the date of the sighting, and the location. In addition, governmental officers in Cyprus, shared information and specimens captured in nets by local coastal fishermen.The results show that the lionfish P. miles has colonised almost the entire south eastern coast of Cyprus, from Limassol to Protaras in just one year. At least 24 new and confirmed sightings of 19 individuals were recorded, such as three pairs found on a wreck near Cape Kiti. Their success at invading new territories stems from a combination of factors such as early maturation and reproduction, and venomous spines that deter predators, and they can quickly colonise reefs and reduce biodiversity in the area.Photographs of lionfish from the south coast of Cyprus captured by recreational scuba divers, free-divers or spear-fishermen.Reference (Open Access): Kletou et al. A lionfish (Pterois miles) invasion has begun in the Mediterranean Sea. Marine Biodiversity Records -- source link