Low Pufferfish and Lionfish Predation in Their Native and Invaded Ranges Suggests Human Control Mechanisms May Be Necessary to Control Their Mediterranean Abundances

The silver-cheeked toadfish ( Lagocephalus sceleratus , from the pufferfish family Tetraodontidae) and Pacific red lionfish Pterois miles Scorpaenidae) have recently invaded Mediterranean Sea. has spread throughout this entire sea with highest concentrations in eastern basin, while more recently, Eastern to Central Their effects on local biodiversity fisheries are cause for management concern. Here, a comprehensive review of predators these two species their native Indo-Pacific Western Atlantic ranges is presented. Predators Tetraodontidae general were reviewed ranges, as no records found specifically L. its range. included mantis shrimp (Stomatopoda), lizardfish Synodus spp.), tiger shark Galeocerdo cuvier ), lemon Negaprion brevirostris snakes Enhydrina catfish Arius cobia Rachycentron canadum skipjack tuna Katsuwonus pelamis common octopus Octopus vulgaris ). only reported predator adult was loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta whereas juvenile preyed by dolphinfish Coryphaena hippurus ) garfish Belone belone Conspecific cannibalism juveniles also confirmed Mediterranean. Pufferfish octopus, frogfish (Antennaridae), several marine birds. all range humpback scorpionfish Scorpaenopsis bobbit worms Eunice aphroditois moray eels (Muraenidae), bluespotted cornetfish Fistularia commersonii Lionfish dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus white aeneus spotted Gymnothorax moringa multiple (tiger Mycteroperca tigris Nassau striatus black bonaci morio gag microleps ; Epinephelidae), northern snapper Lutjanus campechanus greater amberjack Seriola dumerilli nurse Ginglymostoma cirratum sparse data natural predation suggest that population control via may be limited. require proactive, targeted human removals, currently practiced Atlantic.