Invasive Lionfish of the Desecheo Ridge

A closer look at the Indo-Pacific lionfish, a major invasive species in much of the Caribbean and Atlantic, spotted while exploring Desecheo Ridge  a deep-sea ridge located west of Desecheo Island, Puerto Rico. Lionfish were introduced to North American waters primarily through the aquarium trade. Prized for their vibrant colors and exotic appearance, these predatory fish were unknowingly released into the Atlantic Ocean. 

The population explosion in the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean is a serious threat to coral reefs, with potential long-term consequences for native fish communities, habitats, and entire ecosystems. Lionfish are well-known for their venomous spines, rapid colonization rate, and generalist preferences for both habitat and diet. Invasive lionfish are capable of causing significant impacts to biodiversity and recovery of coral reefs, a result of their high densities and predation rates on native fish communities.  Lionfish have been seen as deep as 300 meters throughout the Caribbean.