Report exotic species sightings using our Exotic Species Sighting Form.
Find out more about the REEF Lionfish Research Program.
Download the Exotic Species Brochure.
What's the Problem With Exotic Species?
The threat of exotic species to aquatic environments has gained attention in the media through cases such as the zebra mussel and lamprey in the Great Lakes and Caulerpa taxifolia algae (AKA the killer algae) in California. Incidences of exotic marine fish species have not been widely reported until recently. In recent issues of REEFNotes, we have reported on the Indo-Pacific Batfish that were repeatedly sighted in the Florida Keys and ultimately removed as a result of a team effort between REEF, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the New England Aquarium, and local marine life collectors. And now, several news agencies are picking up sightings of lionfish off the Eastern US coast and these populations are reportedly growing.
Recreational divers and snorkelers are a valuable source of information for tracking exotic fish species because they are looking, taking notice of rare things and often know what doesn't belong. REEF is hoping to take a more active role in exotic species and act as a clearinghouse of information. To this end, we are asking our surveying members to report all exotic fish species that they encounter. Sightings data will then be used to track exotic species introductions, document populations that appear to be spreading, and serve as an early warning system to hopefully prevent harmful impacts to the native ecosystem.
What is an Exotic Species?
Species that are not native to an area but have been brought in through human activities. There are several pathways that species find their way into a strange area, but captive releases from home aquaria and hitchhikers (either larvae or adults) on ships from other oceans are the two primary vectors in marine systems.
Results from REEF's Sightings Program
A manuscript summarizing sightings reported through 2002 to REEF's Exotic Species Sighting Program was published in the journal Marine Ecology Progress Series. The data show a hot-spot of non-native marine fishes along south Florida (Broward and Palm Beach Counties) and the authors believe that intentional (and unintentional) releases from aquaria are the source of these non-natives. Click here to read the paper.
Sightings from the REEF Program have been included in the US Geological Survey Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database. Lionfish sightings data, submitted to REEF and collected during REEF lionfish research expeditions, have also been included in a range map generated by the USGS.
How can you help?
If you are conducting a REEF survey and encounter an exotic species, please report the species as a write in species on the back of the scansheet. Whenever possible, please include an extra sheet of paper with extended details about habitat the fish was in, behaviors noted, other species it was hanging out with, and approximate size. Also indicate if you have photo/video of the fish.
If you see an exotic fish species when you are not surveying, please use our online sightings form to submit your information. Visit the REEF Exotic Species sightings form to submit your information.
Invasive Tunicates and Algae
As part of the REEF Invertebrate and Algae Monitoring Programs in the Pacific Region (Pacific Northwest and California), three invasive tunicates and an invasive algae are being monitored. To find out more about the Invasive Tunicate program, visit the PNW Scuba Invasive webpage.
Exotic Fishes Gallery
All species below are native to the Indo-West Pacific or Red Sea and have been documented by REEF members in Florida waters.Emperor Angelfish: This emperor angelfish (Pomacanthus imperator) was documented in Florida by Jason McCullough. Several additional sightings have been reported in the Pompano Beach area. Batfish and spadefish: Introduced orbicular batfish (Platax orbicularis) (top) mingling with Caribbean-native Atlantic spadefish (below) on Molasses Reef, Florida Keys. Photo by REEF member John Stuart. Lionfish: One of the more well known exotic species in the western Atlantic, the red lionfish (Pterois volitans) has been seen from New York to Bermuda to Florida. This picture was taken in Florida by REEF member Joe Froelich.
Bluering Angelfish: This bluering angelfish (Pomacanthus annularis) was documented on a reef near Pompano Beach, Florida by Deborah Devers, Vone Research. Semicircle Angelfish: The semicircle angelfish (Pomacanthus semicirculatus), also known as the Koran angelfish in the aquarium industry, was photographed by Linda Ianniello in Boca Raton, FL. "Golden" Angelfish: This "golden" angelfish is not an exotic species, but rather a genetic variant of the Atlantic-native queen angelfish. It was photographed by Linda Ianniello in Boca Raton, FL.
Arabian Angelfish: The Arabian angelfish (Pomacanthus asfur) was photographed by Tom Ferguson, taken in Dania, FL. Arabian Angelfish: Here you can see the Arabian angelfish swimming near Atlantic-native tomtate grunts. Photo by Tom Ferguson, taken in Dania, FL. Yellowbar Angelfish: The yellowbar angelfish (Pomacanthus maculosus), should not be mistaken as an Arabian angelfish. The location of the yellow marking is farther back on the body and it lacks the blue wash seen on the Arabian's head. This was taken in Pompano Beach by De
Sailfin Tang: This sailfin tang (Zebrasoma desjardinii) was photographed off Commercial Pier in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea by REEF member Denise Mizell in the summer of 1999. Sailfin Tang: A different species of sailfin tang (Z. veliferum). Photo by Linda Ianniello, taken at San Remo Reef, Boca Raton. Sailfin Tang: And another sailfin tang (Z. veliferum), this one was photographed in Pompano Beach .
Difference between Zebrasoma desjardinii and Z. veliferum
Z. desjardinii: tail dark, nearly black, often with some spotting; pale lines on dorsal fin form a series of arcs or semi-circles, native to the Indian Ocean.
Z. veliferum: pale gray to light brown to yellow tail; pale lines in dorsal fin DO NOT form a series of arcs or semi-circles, but instead cross to formnet-like pattern, native to the Indo-Pacific
Racoon Butterflyfish: A racoon butterflyfish (Chaetodon lunula) has been sighted a few times on a reef in Boca Raton by a REEF surveyor. (this photo is not from Florida but is shown for identification) Yellow Tang: A yellow tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) has been sighted by REEF surveyors near Boyton Beach. It can be distinguished from the juvenile phase of the Atlantic-native blue tang by the white spine (blue tang have a yellow spine at all phases of life). Yellowtail sailfish tang: This yellowtail sailfin tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum) was photographed by REEF member Peter Leahy in Boca Raton. It can be distinguished from a transitioning blue tang (one between juvenile and adult) by the lack of the yellow spine.
Orangespine Unicornfish: An orangespine unicornfish (Naso lituratus) was documented by REEF surveyor Peter Leahy on a reef in Boca Raton. (this photo is not from Florida but is shown for identification) Moorish Idol: This moorish idol (Zanclus cornutus) was photographed on a wreck in Pompano Beach by Michael Barnette in the January 2001.