1. Introduction to the East Coast By Dylan Elks
The Lionfish
Introduction to the East Coast By
Dylan Elks

2. Outline I. Physical description II. Background information
A. native waters
B. Introduction to the East Coast
III. Management issues

3. The Lionfish (Pterois volitans)
Can achieve length of 17 inches
Up to 2.5 lbs
Distinctive red or maroon and white stripes
Fleshy tentacles above the eyes and mouth
Fan-like pectoral fins
Long separated dorsal spines.
Dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins are venomous.

4. The Lionfish Native to Indo-Pacific waters
Occurs on deep ledges and hard bottoms
Depths of 85 to 260ft
Temperatures of 75-79F
Live up to 15 years

5. Lionfish on the East Coast.
Aquarium Trade
Florida, early 1990’s
Hurricane Andrew
Spread to Cape Hatteras, NC by 2000
Gulf Stream
Transport of eggs and larvae.

7. Management Issues Exposure to humans. Few natural predators.
Divers
Fisherman
Non-fatal
Few natural predators.
Feed on young of commercially important fish.
Grouper
Snapper
Share a food source.

8. Management
NOAA Fisheries and NOAA Ocean Service are using several research techniques to determine extent, range, and population.
Eradication
UNCW. RV. Cape Fear
Large number of adults and juveniles observed
established and reproducing along the southeast United States coast.
There is further evidence that lionfish numbers are increasing.
“There is no getting rid of them now”.