Abstract

The Indo-Pacific lionfish (Pterois volitans) was first confirmed in the Dutch Caribbean in late October, 2009. Since then, they have increased in size and abundance, despite an active eradication programs. A study was conducted on Klein Bonaire whereby the entire island was surveyed to determine lionfish density. A total of 17 survey dives was conducted at dusk (9) and at night (8) with at least eight divers participating in each dive. Divers were distributed throughout the water column so that a full sweep of the reef could be made from 20 – 135 feet. Attempts were made to catch all lionfish with all unsuccessful attempts being recorded for density purposes. All caught lionfish were measured, weighed and dissected to determine their sex and stomach contents. A total of 893 lionfish were caught with a higher percentage of lionfish caught at dusk having empty stomachs, whilst those caught at night had a higher percentage of prey in their stomachs. A total of 31 species of fish and 10 species of invertebrates were identified from lionfish stomach contents. This data was then compared to data collected from Bonaire and Curacao and revealed both similarities and differences in the prey composition amongst the three islands. This study represents the first in the Caribbean region to survey an entire island for lionfish and conduct at dusk versus night relationship.

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