Friday, September 5, 2025
Science
No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • HOME
  • SCIENCE NEWS
  • CONTACT US
  • HOME
  • SCIENCE NEWS
  • CONTACT US
No Result
View All Result
Scienmag
No Result
View All Result
Home Science News Biology

Unveiling the lionfish invasion in the Mediterranean Sea

April 25, 2024
in Biology
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Lionfish (Pterois miles) photographed in Greece.
66
SHARES
598
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
ADVERTISEMENT

Researchers from Wageningen University and Research, the Netherlands, have published a comprehensive study on the invasion of lionfish in the Mediterranean Sea, highlighting a rapid spread and the potential ecological impacts.

Lionfish (Pterois miles) photographed in Greece.

Credit: Pierre mkrs via Wikimedia commons

Researchers from Wageningen University and Research, the Netherlands, have published a comprehensive study on the invasion of lionfish in the Mediterranean Sea, highlighting a rapid spread and the potential ecological impacts.

Published in the open-access journal NeoBiota, the research shows the lionfish species Pterois miles has significantly expanded its territory in the Mediterranean since the invasion began around ten years ago. The invasive species has established presence in the eastern Mediterranean, with observations now extending to colder waters previously thought to be unsuitable for the species.

Originating from the Indo-Pacific region, the lionfish species Pterois miles and Pterois volitans  are regarded as the most successful invasive fishes in marine ecosystems, with the capacity to drastically affect local fish communities and biodiversity in invaded areas.

Lionfish are generalist predators and impact ecosystems by preying extensively on local fishes, including endemics of high conservation value. As they are unaccustomed to lionfish, native prey species usually do not flee from this new predator.

“After years studying these predators, I find it amazing how they can easily adjust to so many different environments and be successful in areas that are so different from the ones where they evolve,” says lead author Davide Bottacini.

“It is always impressive to see how such a flamboyant and–to us–conspicuous predator can approach its prey without being noticed,” he continues.

As the largest enclosed sea on earth, the Mediterranean is a unique ecosystem. It is a highly biodiverse basin home to more than 11,000 animal species, some of which are found nowhere else in the world. Genetic studies revealed that lionfish found in the Mediterranean originate from the Red Sea and likely entered through the Suez Canal.

Through a detailed review of existing scientific data, the researchers identified gaps in our understanding of the lionfish’s interactions with Mediterranean ecosystems and have proposed future research directions to address these challenges. Such information provides insights vital for biodiversity conservation and will have practical implications for policy makers aiming to devise sound and efficient mitigation plans.

The study also highlights the crucial role of citizen science initiatives in tracking and reporting sightings of lionfish, providing valuable data that supports ongoing research efforts. Such community involvement is essential for enhancing understanding of the invasion dynamics and devising effective control measures.

Original source

Bottacini D, Pollux BJA, Nijland R, Jansen PA, Naguib M, Kotrschal A (2024) Lionfish (Pterois miles) in the Mediterranean Sea: a review of the available knowledge with an update on the invasion front. NeoBiota 92: 233–257.



Journal

NeoBiota

DOI

10.3897/neobiota.92.110442

Article Title

Lionfish (Pterois miles) in the Mediterranean Sea: a review of the available knowledge with an update on the invasion front

Article Publication Date

25-Apr-2024

Share26Tweet17
Previous Post

Cancer survivors reporting loneliness experience higher mortality risk, new study shows

Next Post

Psychiatric symptoms, treatment uptake, and barriers to mental health care among US adults with post–COVID-19 condition

Related Posts

blank
Biology

Triazophos Effects on Immune Responses in Snakehead Fish

September 5, 2025
blank
Biology

Disparities in Pre-Dialysis Nephrology Care and Vascular Access Outcomes Among Hispanic Patients

September 5, 2025
blank
Biology

Nitrogen Boosts Wheat Recovery via TaSnRK2.10 Pathway

September 5, 2025
blank
Biology

Boosting Quasi-2D Perovskite Solar Cell Efficiency and Stability with Dicyandiamide Interface Engineering

September 5, 2025
blank
Biology

Marine Bradyrhizobium Triggers Nitrogen Nodules in Legume

September 5, 2025
blank
Biology

Unraveling Trebouxiophyceae Algae: Evolutionary and Ecological Insights

September 5, 2025
Next Post

Psychiatric symptoms, treatment uptake, and barriers to mental health care among US adults with post–COVID-19 condition

  • Mothers who receive childcare support from maternal grandparents show more parental warmth, finds NTU Singapore study

    Mothers who receive childcare support from maternal grandparents show more parental warmth, finds NTU Singapore study

    27544 shares
    Share 11014 Tweet 6884
  • University of Seville Breaks 120-Year-Old Mystery, Revises a Key Einstein Concept

    959 shares
    Share 384 Tweet 240
  • Bee body mass, pathogens and local climate influence heat tolerance

    643 shares
    Share 257 Tweet 161
  • Researchers record first-ever images and data of a shark experiencing a boat strike

    510 shares
    Share 204 Tweet 128
  • Warm seawater speeding up melting of ‘Doomsday Glacier,’ scientists warn

    313 shares
    Share 125 Tweet 78
Science

Embark on a thrilling journey of discovery with Scienmag.com—your ultimate source for cutting-edge breakthroughs. Immerse yourself in a world where curiosity knows no limits and tomorrow’s possibilities become today’s reality!

RECENT NEWS

  • New Study Reveals Rapid Insect Decline in Pristine Ecosystems
  • Scientists Uncover Vast Geo-Hydrogen Reservoir West of Mussau Trench
  • Unveiling North America’s Influence on Asia’s Monsoons: New Perspectives on Climate Change
  • Scientists Convert Plastic Waste into High-Performance CO2 Capture Materials

Categories

  • Agriculture
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Athmospheric
  • Biology
  • Blog
  • Bussines
  • Cancer
  • Chemistry
  • Climate
  • Earth Science
  • Marine
  • Mathematics
  • Medicine
  • Pediatry
  • Policy
  • Psychology & Psychiatry
  • Science Education
  • Social Science
  • Space
  • Technology and Engineering

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 5,183 other subscribers

© 2025 Scienmag - Science Magazine

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • HOME
  • SCIENCE NEWS
  • CONTACT US

© 2025 Scienmag - Science Magazine

Discover more from Science

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading