Catch Them While You Can: Leveraging Lionfish Behavior to Optimize Culling Efficiency

Abstract

Invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish (Pterois spp.) threaten Atlantic and Caribbean coral reefs, which are already stressed by climate change and overfishing. These illustrious predators reduce the abundance and biodiversity of native fish, posing significant ecological and economic risks. This study investigates whether lionfish behavior, specifically their aggregation and activity patterns, follows predictable daily rhythms that could be leveraged to optimize culling efforts. Behavioral surveys of 214 lionfish were conducted across 5 weeks in Tela Bay, Honduras. Observations were recorded across time blocks (morning, midday, and afternoon), noting activity status, microhabitat, depth, and presence of aggregations. Lionfish were more active and more likely to be found in aggregations during the afternoon (13:00–15:30). Aggregated individuals were found in shallower waters. They had significantly higher body fat percentages, particularly in pairs, suggesting either greater feeding success or energy conservation. Discovery frequency was highest in the afternoon, indicating this is the most efficient time for diver-based removals. These findings provide insights into the temporal behavior of lionfish and suggest that managers and recreational divers can improve culling efficiency by targeting afternoons. Although complete eradication is unrealistic, behavior-informed removal strategies can help reduce lionfish populations and mitigate their impacts on reef ecosystems. Future work should explore how environmental disturbances affect these behavioral trends to refine targeted management efforts.