Meeting Abstract
The red lionfish, Pterois volitans, has an array of venomous spines spaced among several fins (13 dorsal, 2 pelvic, 3 anal), which may contribute to their invasion success. Dorsal spines are long needle-like structures, while the pelvic and anal spines are shorter, more robust, and slightly recurved. Due to these structural differences, we predict puncture force will vary with spine morphology. Caribbean groupers have been documented to predate invasive lionfish and may act as a biotic control. Here we examine which lionfish spines are most effective as a defense system against black grouper by determining which spines can puncture skin with the least amount of force. We quantified the force required to puncture each grouper skin section for dorsal, pelvic, and anal spines using an Instron E1000. Black grouper, Mycteroperca bonaci, skin was dissected from the premaxilla, urohyal, and neurocranium. Like lionfish, grouper suction feeding behavior devours fish prey whole, including venomous spines. Sections of black grouper mouth skin were chosen to include skin that is likely to be in contact with lionfish spines during feeding events. Spines were placed in grips and the actuator punctured the spines into the skin at a rate of 10mm/min, which is a common speed used in puncture testing of fish scales and hypodermic needles. Puncture forces were averaged and compared between each buccal skin section and each spine region. These data will provide insight on a possible biological control, specifically if lionfish are capable of damage to predators such as grouper.
