ORCID
- Hall-Spencer, Jason: 0000-0002-6915-2518
Abstract
Widespread reports over the last six years confirm the establishment of lionfish (Pterois miles) populations in the eastern Mediterranean. Accumulated knowledge on lionfish invasions in the western Atlantic Ocean has shown that it is a successful invader and can have negative impacts on native species, indirect ecological repercussions and economic effects on local human societies. Here we analysed genetic sequences of lionfish from Cyprus as well as data from the whole distribution of the species, targeting the mtDNA markers cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) and the control region (CR). Our results reflect a pattern of repeated introductions into the Mediterranean from the northern Red Sea and a secondary spread of this species west to Rhodes and Sicily. Presented results agree with previously published studies highlighting the genetic similarity with individuals from the northern Red Sea. Nevertheless, some individuals from Cyprus, in addition to those coming via the Suez Canal, were genetically similar to fish from the Indian Ocean, indicating genetic homogeneity among populations of P. miles across its current distribution, possibly facilitated by the ornamental fish trade and/or transport through ballast water.
DOI
10.3390/d11090149
Publication Date
2019-08-23
Publication Title
Diversity
Volume
11
Issue
9
First Page
149
Last Page
149
ISSN
1424-2818
Embargo Period
2019-12-18
Organisational Unit
School of Biological and Marine Sciences
Recommended Citation
Dimitriou, A. C., Chartosia, N., Hall-Spencer, J., Kleitou, P., Jimenez, C., Antoniou, C., Hadjioannou, L., Kletou, D., & Sfenthourakis, S. (2019) 'Genetic Data Suggest Multiple Introductions of the Lionfish (Pterois miles) into the Mediterranean Sea', Diversity, 11(9), pp. 149-149. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/d11090149
