Ultimate predators: lionfish have evolved to circumvent prey risk assessment abilities

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Marine Biology
• Invasive Species Research

Background:

• Invasive species significantly alter ecosystems globally by disrupting trophic dynamics.
• The red lionfish (Pterois volitans), introduced in the 1980s, has severely impacted Caribbean ecosystems, displacing native fauna and altering food webs.
• Lionfish predation rates are exceptionally high, leading to changes in benthic community composition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the predatory success of invasive red lionfish by examining prey's ability to assess risk.
• To determine if the lionfish's cryptic nature contributes to its invasive success.
• To compare prey responses to lionfish versus native predators.

Main Methods:

• Experimental exposure of prey damselfish (Chromis viridis) to visual and scent cues of red lionfish (Pterois volitans) and a native rock cod (Cephalopholis microprion).
• Observation of prey antipredator behaviors and responses to different predator cues.
• Assessment of prey survival rates when exposed to invasive and non-invasive predators.

Main Results:

• Damselfish exhibited typical antipredator behaviors towards the native rock cod.
• Prey failed to show a visible reaction to the scent or visual presentation of the red lionfish.
• Prey responded only to the scent, not the visual cue, of a different lionfish genus (Dendrochirus zebra).
• Prey survival was significantly lower when exposed to P. volitans compared to native predators.

Conclusions:

• The invasive red lionfish's success is attributed to its cryptic nature, evading prey risk assessment.
• Lionfish's ability to remain undetected by prey facilitates its destructive predatory impact and invasive success.
• Understanding these predator-prey dynamics is crucial for managing invasive species impacts in marine ecosystems.