Describe two characteristics of lionfish that make them harmful to the waters off North and South America.

Answers:

#1: Lionfish are not native to Atlantic waters, they have very few predators. They are carnivores that feed on small crustaceans and fish, including the young of important commercial fish species such as snapper and grouper.

#2: Capable of causing extinctions of native plants and animals, reducing biodiversity, competing with native organisms for limited resources, and altering habitats.

The lionfish are local to the Indo-Pacific region, however, they are now getting established along the waters of North and South America. As lionfish are not locals to Atlantic waters, they exhibit very fewer predators. They are carnivores, which consume small fishes and crustaceans, comprising the essential commercial fish species like grouper and snapper.

These invasive species will continue to flourish, and it is not easy to eradicate them with the application of traditional methods. Apart from this, lionfish possess venomous spines, which can be very painful. These fish species possess threat to commercial species of fish and reefs.