Genetics reveal the identity and origin of the lionfish invasion in the Mediterranean Sea.

ABSTRACT: Following aquarium releases, invasive lionfishes have colonized large areas of the Caribbean and western Atlantic, resulting in an immense ecological damage. The early stages of that invasion are poorly known. Indeed, a lag of time between the introduction and detection often preclude genetic characterization of that crucial phase. With elevated awareness, the recent invasion of Pterois miles was quickly detected in the Mediterranean Sea. We hereby show that the very first individuals establishing populations in the Mediterranean Sea display haplotypes that nest within the large genetic diversity of Red Sea individuals, thus indicating an invasion via the Suez Canal. We also show that only two haplotypes are detected in the Mediterranean Sea, suggesting that few individuals may have been i

SUBMITTER: Bariche M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5533737 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature