Abstract

The present study investigated the bioecology of invasive lionfish species (Pterois spp.) through regular dives along the Mersin coastline, northeastern Mediterranean. The length, weight, age, stomach contents and gonads of the collected lionfish were analyzed, and the environmental parameters such as seawater temperature, depth, pH and salinity at the sampling stations were also recorded. The total lengths ranged from 6.0 to 38.0 cm and the weights ranged from 1.3 to 769.0 g. The length-weight relationships were calculated for all individuals as W = 0.049 x L3.30. The growth pattern was detected as positive allometric. The maximum age class was VII for all individuals. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters were L∞ = 45.35 cm, W∞ = 1435 g, k = 0.061 year-1, t0 = -6.282 years. The stomach contents were found to be predominantly composed of small fish, accounting for 77.5% of the total weight, while invertebrates constituted a smaller proportion (5.9%). The mean gonad weight of 191 females was 4.52 g, with a maximum of 60 g. Mean egg diameter measured 1.3 mm, and females averaged 74 eggs. Gonadosomatic index and condition factor analyses show reproduction peaks in summer. Lionfish proliferation in the eastern Mediterranean is driven by venomous spines, rapid growth, early maturation, hunting success, and opportunistic feeding. Findings highlight rapid growth, high fecundity, and dietary overlap with native predators, suggesting sustainable control requires protecting natural predators and targeted removals.

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