The Atlantic Ocean - Lionfish of New Providence Island
Locations
The Atlantic Ocean
Location map
Introduction
The Atlantic is the second largest ocean on the planet. It is the resting place of the Titanic, home to the mysterious Bermuda Triangle and is the youngest of the Earth's great oceans. It reaches depths of 8,500 metres. Oceans investigates this influential body of water from a group of islands in its western reaches - the Bahamas.
Lionfish of New Providence Island
Overview
Relatively recently a change took place in the Bahamas that has had a devastating impact on the local ecosystem. An invasive alien species has been introduced - the lionfish. The lionfish is a fearsome predator and it's taking over.
This highly venomous fish was first found in Atlantic waters towards the end of the last century. It is a coral reef dwelling species originally found in the warm waters of the Indo-Pacific. In the Bahamas this invasive species is hunting the young of the indigenous fish, and with no natural predators, the lionfish population is exploding. They have already spread as far north as Rhose Island and as far south as the Caribbean.
| Importance: | The introduction of the lionfish is causing problems for the Atlantic's natural ecosystem. |
| Dive category | Coral reef dive. |
| Access: | These fish can now be found on coral reefs throughout the Bahamas. |
Interesting for
- The damaging effects of lionfish
- A news article about the impact of lionfish on existing ecosystems.
- Lionfish decimating tropical fish populations, threatening coral reefs
- How lionfish got to the Bahamas
- The National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration looks at the most likely reason for lionfish reaching the Bahamas.
- The Lionfish Invasion
- About the red lionfish
- The Encyclopedia of Life gives an overview of the lionfish.
- Red lionfish
BBC related content
- Oceans presenter biography: Philippe Cousteau
- Oceans 360° video: Behind the scenes
- Oceans image gallery: The Atlantic Ocean
- BBC Caribbean: Lionfish wreaks havoc in Caribbean sea
Episode region
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