We Need Your Sightings
Healthy native predator populations may already play an important role in maintaining ecologically sustainable lionfish populations through predation. Anecdotal evidence throughout the region suggests that lionfish are being consumed by a variety of native predators in the Tropical Western Atlantic. This is currently difficult to prove scientifically. However, a cohesive collection of anecdotal evidence could provide support for conservation efforts and sustainable fishing practices of these native predators, particularly those with populations under threat including; Goliath Grouper, Nassau Grouper, Mutton Snapper, sharks and other large bodies grouper and snapper. These reports could also help guide future research efforts.
Have you observed, taken video or photographed any observations of native species preying upon lionfish? REEF would like to create a database of these observations and needs your input. Past or current observations and all observations no matter how small are encouraged. Examples include, observations of lionfish in stomach content of captured fish, diver observations of native predators stalking lionfish, attempts of predation and successful capture.