Comparison of Whole Blood Fatty Acid Profiles between Lionfish (Pterois spp.) in Wild and Managed Care Environments

Suboptimal nutrition may contribute to lionfish (Pterois volitans and Pterois miles) health issues in managed care environments. This study’s objective was establish compare whole blood fatty acid profiles wild aquarium lionfish. Whole samples were dried onto specialized high-quality paper cards from wild, invasive harvested off the North Carolina coast (n = 16) by Aquariums 12). Blood analyzed spots. Aquarium had significantly (p < 0.05) higher linoleic (18:2ω6) eicosapentaenoic (20:5ω3) levels than Similarly, lower saturated acids arachidonic (20:4ω6) ratios Total omega-3 omega-6 acids, as well ratio of these two groups, similar between Gut content analysis diets included reef-dependent schooling fish while pelagic fish, crustaceans, mollusks, commercial gel with nutrient supplements. study reports lionfish, providing comparative macronutrient data that be useful for improving their welfare aquariums.