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Email the author (Login required) Feeding and growth of the lionfish Pterois volitans (Linnaeus, 1758) in the southern zone of the Veracruz Reef System
Submited: 2024-10-07 15:53:09 | Published: 2025-06-30 18:48:32
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3856/vol53-issue3-fulltext-3349
Abstract
This contribution reports information about the feeding and growth of the lionfish Pterois volitans in the southern area of the Veracruz Reef System National Park (PNSAV, by its Spanish acronym); 230 specimens were collected by free diving and harpoons between 2019 and 2023 with standard length interval of 65 to 335 mm and 6 to 1,100 g in weight; this fish species follows a positive allometric growth through the weight-length ratio (b = 3.25), three condition factor models were estimated that showed that the organisms occupying this area are in good body condition, in addition, individual condition (kc) was correlated with weight increases (r = 0.46, P < 0.05); in this sample, only organisms in early stages of gonadic maturity were found. The lionfish diet in the study consisted of fish and crustaceans. Among the fish prey, 7 families and 14 species were identified. Haemulon aurolineatum, Azurina multilineata, and Diplectrum bivittatum contributed the most to the diet of P. volitans. Starksia hassi was also recorded, marking a first record for the PNSAV. The consumption of crustaceans was represented by Xiphopenaeus kroyeri, and other crustaceans belong to the families Sycionidae and Diogenidae. These results indicate that lionfish is a generalist predator that consumes fish and crustaceans in this area, with a good individual body condition that is reflected in the type of growth of the organisms. The absence of organisms in reproductive stages opens the possibility that P. volitans move to other sites on the reef to reproduce.
