Mar Ecol Prog Ser. Vol. 401: 291–294, 2010.

Since its introduction into Florida nearly a decade ago, Pterois volitans, the Lionfish, began its invasion of the coral reefs in the West Atlantic, especially in the Bahamas. In its non-native habitat, the Lionfish has become much more productive and successful than in its native home, because there are limited predators once it reaches adulthood. With the increase in Lionfish, there is a decrease in native fish recruitment.

Andrew B. Barbour,of the University of Florida, and his colleagues decided to answer the question of this invasive phenomenon. Do the Lionfish have an affect on the decreased recruitment? They  hypothesized that the Lionfish have been living in the mangroves that the native species use to reproduce. To test this, researchers checked the mangroves and examined stomach contents of the lionfish. In the contents, the scientists found remnants of species that are found within the Mangrove. With this analysis, the scientists concluded that the Lionfish had been preying on fish in the mangroves, most of which are juvenile. This has lead to increased juvenile mortality and therefore, the researchers believe, has lead to decreased recruitment. Despite their finding, the researchers hope for more in depth studies to be held.