Variation in Body Length, Length-Weight Relationship, and Condition Factor of Lionfish (Pterois volitans) Between Years in a Mesophotic Coral Ecosystem in Alacranes Reef, Southern Gulf of Mexico

than 30 years ago the Indo-Pacific lionfish (Pterois volitans, P. miles) were introduced into the western Atlantic Ocean, where P. volitans has reached the level of biological invasion threatening the marine ecosystem. The aim of this study was to describe the variation in body length, length-weight relationship (LWR), and condition factor of P. volitans between years in a mesophotic coral ecosystem (MCE) in the southern Gulf of Mexico, to provide baseline life history data. From September 2014 to September 2017, we speared 92 lionfish at the same MCE in the Alacranes Reef, off the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. There were differences in length between years, with larger lionfish found in 2014, and also differences between the LWRs. The LWR for all lionfish indicate a positive allometric growth. No significant difference was found in length between females and males. Males showed a greater Fulton's condition factor in 2015 and 2016, in comparison to females. This study revealed P. volitans has attained a large length and good condition factor in the MCE. Human limitations for diving deep areas preclude mechanical removal of lionfish by culling. Further scientific research is necessary to quantify its density and understand the potential lionfish would have to impact the MCEs in the region.