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<p>The lionfish complex (<i>Pterois</i> sp.) are invasive marine fishes that were introduced into the western Atlantic in the mid-1980s. The colonization of ecosystems by lionfish causes significant damage to fish communities and reef ecosystems. Management efforts to attenuate the effects of fish invasion depend on the population dynamics and reproduction of lionfish, but these parameters vary depending on the study location and environmental conditions. The objective of this study was to describe the lionfish’s reproduction cycle in Martinique by studying annual variations in gonadosomatic index (GSI), gonad maturation, and concentrations of sex steroids. It was expected that lionfish could reproduce year-round, with no seasonality. Lionfish, ranging in size from 7.5 to 42.3&#xa0;cm (<i>n</i> = 453), were sampled over a 15-month period from May to July 2021 and from September 2021 to September 2022 off the west coast of Martinique. Histological observations indicated the presence of sexually mature males and females throughout the year, and we found that concentrations of sex steroids and GSI for both sexes were high enough to allow for year-round spawning. There were no seasonal differences in sex steroid concentrations, but increased female GSI values in March indicated that greater reproductive activity may occur in the spring. This study provides important insights into the population dynamics of lionfish in Martinique, which is essential for developing management strategies for this invasive species complex.</p>

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Monitoring the reproductive cycle of the invasive lionfish (Pterois sp.) in Martinique

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年9月19日

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  • Nicolas Vachon,
  • Morjane Safi,
  • Céline Audet,
  • Benjamin de Montgolfier

摘要

The lionfish complex (Pterois sp.) are invasive marine fishes that were introduced into the western Atlantic in the mid-1980s. The colonization of ecosystems by lionfish causes significant damage to fish communities and reef ecosystems. Management efforts to attenuate the effects of fish invasion depend on the population dynamics and reproduction of lionfish, but these parameters vary depending on the study location and environmental conditions. The objective of this study was to describe the lionfish’s reproduction cycle in Martinique by studying annual variations in gonadosomatic index (GSI), gonad maturation, and concentrations of sex steroids. It was expected that lionfish could reproduce year-round, with no seasonality. Lionfish, ranging in size from 7.5 to 42.3 cm (n = 453), were sampled over a 15-month period from May to July 2021 and from September 2021 to September 2022 off the west coast of Martinique. Histological observations indicated the presence of sexually mature males and females throughout the year, and we found that concentrations of sex steroids and GSI for both sexes were high enough to allow for year-round spawning. There were no seasonal differences in sex steroid concentrations, but increased female GSI values in March indicated that greater reproductive activity may occur in the spring. This study provides important insights into the population dynamics of lionfish in Martinique, which is essential for developing management strategies for this invasive species complex.