Volume 68

Description of Larval Lionfish Pterois volitans (Scorpaenidae) for the Western Atlantic


Authors
Vasquez-Yeomans, L., S. Morales-Gutierrez, E. Malca, Y. Cota-Valentin, J. Morris, T. Schultz, and A. Levine
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Other Information


Date: November, 2015


Pages: 235


Event: Proceedings of the Sixty eigth Annual Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute


City: Panama City


Country: Panama

Abstract

The invasive lionfish Pterois volitans (Linnaeus 1758) is widely distributed in the Western Atlantic and Caribbean. This invasion was fueled by year-round reproduction, frequent spawning behaviour, dispersal by ocean currents and lack of major predators. Among the less known aspects of lionfish ecology is basic information regarding the early life stages. Here we present the first complete series of larval description for P. volitans based on 109 larvae collected in oceanographic crui-se during the spring of 2011 using MOCNESS, S10 and neuston nets. Although larger > 4 mm SL were initially identified following morphological characters, previously undescribed smaller larval specimens < 4 mm SL were determined on the basis meticulous observation and expertise. Taxonomic identifications were validated as P. volitans for 100% larvae, using the mitochondrial DNA (COI). The youngest larvae (1.5 mm SL) showed a characteristic bar pigment pattern over three quarters of the tail and a high concentration of pigment on the distal part of the pectoral fin. The largest (> 9 mm SL) had considerable head spination and large pectoral, dorsal and anal fins. We describe in detail the main characteristics (morphological and pigmentary) to identify with certainty lionfish larvae. These descriptions can facilitate identification of lionfish from plankton collections and thus reveal major spawning sites to discover dispersal and transport of early life sta-ges of lionfish in the region. Accurate identification of larval lionfish in the Western Atlantic can help prioritize effective actions in control programs and management of this invasive species.

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