The lionfish is a venomous type of fish that is native to the Indo-Pacific and Red Sea but was introduced into the Western Atlantic Ocean. They are predators that eat any other type of fish or invertebrate that fits in its mouth, and reproduce faster than the fish native to this area. What kind of negative impact does the lionfish have on native fish species?

Question

The lionfish is a venomous type of fish that is native to the Indo-Pacific and Red Sea but was introduced into the Western Atlantic Ocean. They are predators that eat any other type of fish or invertebrate that fits in its mouth, and reproduce faster than the fish native to this area. What kind of negative impact does the lionfish have on native fish species?

A.
Competition for survival decreases, making it easier for both lion fish species and native fish species to survive.
B.
Competition for food increases, leaving less available food for other native fish species to eat.
C.
Competition for finding a mate decreases, making it easier for other native fish species to reproduce.
D.
Competition for spreading disease increases, leaving fewer lionfish available to reproduce.

Answer 1

B. Competition for food increases, leaving less available food for other native fish species to eat.

The lionfish's voracious appetite and rapid reproduction rate can lead to a decrease in the availability of food for native fish species. This can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem and harm the populations of native fish species.