INVASION THEORIES
How did lionfish, native only to the Indo-Pacific Oceans for millions of years, make their way into the Atlantic Ocean?
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The theories suggests the following methods, it is possible that more than one venue of introduction contributed the introduction of lionfish into the Atlantic Ocean.
1. Aquarium in Miami, Florida was destroyed during Hurricane Andrew in 1991 releasing 6 lionfish into Biscayne Bay. 2. Intentional release of unwanted lionfish by aquarium hobbyists into ocean along United States east coast. 3. Release of eggs through water filtration systems of public aquaria in Florida and Bahamas. 4. Release of ballast water by cargo ships passing between oceans. |
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