Abstract

Indo-Pacific lionfish (Pterois volitans) are precipitously invading the waters of the Caribbean and tropical Atlantic. Due to their population explosion and aggressive behavior, lionfish have the potential to become the most devastating marine invasion in history by significantly reducing the abundance of coral reef fishes and leaving behind a devastated ecosystem. It was first found in the US Virgin Islands in 2008 and is now becoming a common sight on most coral reefs. In order to understand its potential impact on native fishes, we need to learn more about its biology and basic life history characteristics. The analysis of weight length data is usually directed toward two objectives; i) Mathematically relating the relationship between weight and length, and ii) Measuring the variation from the expected weight for length of individual fish as indications of corpulence, well-being, or gonad development. Several different ratios have been developed to describe these relations between fish length and weight. These ratios are universally used as measures of fish well-being (condition). Length and weight of sample lionfishes (n = ~50) were obtained. The Fulton’s Condition Factor was done to determine the ratio between the observed weight and an expected weight dependent on the fish’s length. According to the ANOVA Analysis that was obtained (n = 48) the average female length = 23.855 cm and average male length = 26.746 cm; (F = 3.9715, p < 0.05). Weight analysis indicated (n = 48) the average female weight = 228.586 g; average male weight = 357.658 g; (F = 12.883 , p < 0.001).

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