Abstract

Lionfish (Pterois volitans, P. miles) are now established throughout the northern Gulf of Mexico (GOM) and their numbers continue to increase. Over the past three years more than 6,000 lionfish ranging from 44-429 mm total length (TL) have been collected in the northern GOM as a part of an ongoing life history study. Both male and female lionfish had elevated Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) values from May-October when water temperatures were elevated, suggesting a six month spawning season. However, examination of female reproductive phases indicate spawning capable and actively spawning lionfish were present year-round in this invaded warm-temperate environment. Female GSI values and reproductive phases are similar to data from Grand Cayman although differ temporally, but male GSI from Grand Cayman was markedly reduced compared to our data. There was a significant relationship between batch fecundity (BF) and total length (TL; p = 0.004; r2 = 0.321) and total wet weight (TWW) (p= 0.007; r2 = 0.283) for 24 samples taken between August and December. Our BF was similar to previous reports for Grand Cayman and North Carolina. Gonad-free relative BF (RBF) was not related to ovary-free TWW (p= 0.944) or TL (p = 0.405). The RBF ranged from 2.01 to 203.50 eggs/g with a significant peak in September (mean 122.2 eggs/g) over the range of dates examined. This study provides the most comprehensive and complete description of lionfish fecundity to date and will be used in conjunction with other life history parameters to aid in the development of management plans.

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