Invasive lionfish preying on critically endangered reef fish

Invasive lionfish (Pterois spp.) are significantly threatening the critically endangered social wrasse (Halichoeres socialis), endemic to Belize’s inner barrier reef, by preying on it as a primary food source. Stomach content analyses revealed that this small, schooling fish constitutes nearly half of the lionfish diet in the region. The combination of lionfish predation, the social wrasse's limited range, and ongoing habitat destruction positions it as one of the most endangered coral reef fishes globally. Similar risks are observed for other species with comparable traits across the Caribbean.

Rocha, L. A., Rocha, C. R., Baldwin, C. C., Weigt, L. A., & McField, M. (2015). Invasive lionfish preying on critically endangered reef fish. Coral Reefs, 34(3), 803–806. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-015-1293-z