Focal lionfish behaviors at different densities of local lionfish and prey fish in Eleuthera, Bahamas from July to August in 2012 (NCEI Accession 0278046)
This dataset contains biological and survey - biological data collected at Cape_Eleuthera_Reefs during deployment Eleuthera_Reef_Surveys_2012 at Eleuthera, Bahamas from 2012-07-16 to 2012-08-30. These data include species. These data were collected by Dr Mark Hixon of University of Hawaii as part of the "Mechanisms and Consequences of Fish Biodiversity Loss on Atlantic Coral Reefs Caused by Invasive Pacific Lionfish (BiodiversityLossEffects_lionfish)" project. The Biological and Chemical Oceanography Data Management Office (BCO-DMO) submitted these data to NCEI on 2019-05-22.
The following is the text of the dataset description provided by BCO-DMO:
Focal lionfish behaviors at different densities of local lionfish and prey fish.
Dataset Description:
This was an observational field study on natural patch reefs with varying lionfish densities to determine if lionfish behavior and movements change at different local lionfish and prey fish densities. Each reef was visited at three times of day: dawn, midday, and dusk, and two focal lionfish were observed during each visit at each reef. Behaviors of all lionfish were recorded the moment they were first sighted ("Initial behaviors"). One or two focal lionfish were observed for 10 minute intervals and all activity was recorded ("Focal behaviors"). The number of lionfish on each reef that arrived at or departed from each reef to/from the surrounding seagrass habitat was recorded throughout each visit ("Movement"). Censuses of the native prey fish populations were conducted at the end of every visit ("Native fish surveys").
Related Manuscripts: Benkwitt, C.E. (2016)
Species key for all individuals identified in this dataset - https://doi.org/10.1575/1912/bco-dmo.655195.2
The following is the text of the dataset description provided by BCO-DMO:
Focal lionfish behaviors at different densities of local lionfish and prey fish.
Dataset Description:
This was an observational field study on natural patch reefs with varying lionfish densities to determine if lionfish behavior and movements change at different local lionfish and prey fish densities. Each reef was visited at three times of day: dawn, midday, and dusk, and two focal lionfish were observed during each visit at each reef. Behaviors of all lionfish were recorded the moment they were first sighted ("Initial behaviors"). One or two focal lionfish were observed for 10 minute intervals and all activity was recorded ("Focal behaviors"). The number of lionfish on each reef that arrived at or departed from each reef to/from the surrounding seagrass habitat was recorded throughout each visit ("Movement"). Censuses of the native prey fish populations were conducted at the end of every visit ("Native fish surveys").
Related Manuscripts: Benkwitt, C.E. (2016)
Species key for all individuals identified in this dataset - https://doi.org/10.1575/1912/bco-dmo.655195.2
Dataset Citation
- Cite as: Hixon, Mark (2023). Focal lionfish behaviors at different densities of local lionfish and prey fish in Eleuthera, Bahamas from July to August in 2012 (NCEI Accession 0278046). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0278046. Accessed [date].
Dataset Identifiers
ISO 19115-2 Metadata
gov.noaa.nodc:0278046
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Ordering Instructions | Contact NCEI for other distribution options and instructions. |
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NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information +1-301-713-3277 NCEI.Info@noaa.gov |
Dataset Point of Contact |
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information ncei.info@noaa.gov |
Coverage Description | Eleuthera, Bahamas |
Time Period | 2012-07-16 to 2012-08-30 |
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Dataset Progress Status | Complete - production of the data has been completed Historical archive - data has been stored in an offline storage facility |
Data Update Frequency | As needed |
Supplemental Information | Acquisition Description: This was an observational field study conducted from June - August 2012 to determine whether lionfish behavior and movements change at different local lionfish and prey fish densities. The study was conducted on sixteen reefs in Rock Sound, Elethera, The Bahamas. All reefs were at least 300 m from any reef on which lionfish removals had occurred, and were selected to encompass a range of natural lionfish densities and reef sizes. A pair of divers visited each reef at three times of day: within 2 hours of sunrise (‘dawn’), greater than 3 hours from sunrise or sunset (‘midday’), and within 2 hours of sunset (‘dusk’). Upon arriving at a reef, observers counted the number of lionfish present by conducting lionfish-focused searches. For each lionfish, observers recorded the size (total length, visually estimated to the nearest cm), behavior, and location the moment it was sighted. Behaviors were categorized as resting (sitting on the substrate, not moving), hovering (in the water column oriented parallel to the bottom, but not moving), swimming (actively moving), or hunting (oriented head down with pectoral fins flared). Location was categorized as the microhabitat on which lionfish were observed (e.g. under a ledge, on top of the reef, in the surrounding seagrass) and later divided into two major categories: sheltering (hidden under structure) or exposed (on top of reef or in surrounding area). Then, 10-minute focal observations were conducted on two randomly-selected lionfish or a single lionfish when there was only one individual present per reef. During focal observations, a trained observer recorded the behavior of lionfish at 30-second intervals for 10 minutes using the same categories as above. The observers also noted any strikes at prey, successful kills, and obviously aggressive interactions (chases, posturing) between lionfish or between lionfish and other species. Throughout the entire visit to each reef, divers noted the time when any lionfish departed from or arrived at the reef and its behavior. A lionfish was defined as departing from the reef if it traveled at least 10 m from the reef. A lionfish was considered arriving at a reef if it swam in from the surrounding areas and had not been previously observed at that reef during that observation period. At the conclusion of the focal observations, the divers re-counted the number of lionfish present while conducting a survey of resident native fishes. Divers recorded the abundance and body size (TL) of all fish 1 - 15 cm TL, native mesopredators that are ecologically similar to lionfish (e.g. Cephalopholis cruentata [graysby grouper]), and top predators (e.g. Epinephelus striatus [Nassau grouper]) on and within 1 m of the reef. |
Purpose | This dataset is available to the public for a wide variety of uses including scientific research and analysis. |
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Last Modified: 2024-05-31T15:15:28Z
For questions about the information on this page, please email: ncei.info@noaa.gov
For questions about the information on this page, please email: ncei.info@noaa.gov