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Morphometric Scale Shape Variation of the Invasive Red Lionfish, Pterois volitans
Mia Elias1, Katherine A Galloway2
1Biological Sciences, Nicholls State University, 906 E. 1st St., Thibodaux, LA 7030, USA.
Integrative and Comparative Biology
|June 2, 2026
Summary
This study used geometric morphometrics to analyze lionfish scales, revealing significant shape differences between body regions and sexes. Invasive lionfish scale morphology varies along the body and between males and females.
Area of Science:
- Ichthyology
- Invasive Species Biology
- Geometric Morphometrics
Background:
- Lionfish (Pterois volitans) are invasive species with cycloid scales, hypothesized to aid in protection and streamlining.
- Understanding scale morphology can provide insights into fish locomotion, evolution, and sexual dimorphism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate scale shape variation in invasive lionfish along the body length and between sexes using 2D geometric morphometrics.
- To explore potential correlations between scale morphology and sexual dimorphism in lionfish.
Main Methods:
- Collected invasive lionfish (Pterois volitans) from public fishing derbies in Florida.
- Applied 2D geometric morphometrics, placing eight landmarks on 60 scales from 20 specimens (170–230mm TL).
- Analyzed scale shape variation across anterior, middle, and caudal body regions and between sexes.
Main Results:
- Significant scale shape differences were found among anterior, middle, and caudal body regions, with scales becoming more elongated posteriorly.
- Statistically significant shape differences were observed between male and female lionfish scales.
- Females exhibited wider scales in the middle body region, while males had wider scales near the caudal fin.
Conclusions:
- Lionfish scale morphology exhibits distinct regional and sexual dimorphic variations.
- Utilizing public events for invasive species research offers an effective method for specimen collection and public engagement.
- This study contributes to understanding the morphology and sexual dimorphism of invasive lionfish populations.
