Aquatic Invasive Species

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Email
example@example.com
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Key Vocabulary Terms

Aquatic - living or growing in water

Invasive species - can be any kind of living organism—an amphibian, plant, insect, fish (like a lionfish), fungus, bacteria, or even an organism's seeds or eggs—that is not native to an ecosystem and causes harm.

Native species - a species that normally lives and thrives in a particular ecosystem. This can include any species that developed with the surrounding habitat, and can be assisted by or affected by a new species

Nonnative species - those that have occurred outside of their natural range. That natural range could be as far as another country or as near as a different region of the same country. Unlike invasive species, non-native species may not hinder or prevent the survival of others within the ecosystem

Predator - an animal that naturally preys on others.

Prey - an animal that is hunted and killed by another for food

Detrimental - tending to cause harm
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The lionfish is considered a _________ species in Florida.
Non-native
Native
New
Invasive
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In the state of Florida, the lionfish is considered to be an invasive species!"Lionfish are an invasive species that have a potential negative impact on native species and habitat. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) encourages people to remove lionfish from Florida waters to help limit negative impacts to native marine life and ecosystems." - From: https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/marine-fish/scorpionfish-and-lionfish/lionfish/
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Lionfish are harmful to native Florida aquatic ecosystems because:select all that apply
They eat native fish
They reproduce very quickly
They do not have natural predators in Florida waters
They compete with native fish for food
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All of these answers are correct! Lionfish are an effective predator that can decimate native species of fish, and compete with other native species for food. They reproduce rapidly and are not known to have predators in Florida waters.Image: https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/marine-fish/scorpionfish-and-lionfish/lionfish/
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At LMC, we feed our lionfish ________ .
Cut up sardines
Salmon
Algae
Fish pellets
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Our lionfish get fed cut-up sardines several times a week!Image from: BBC America
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Is the spotted moray eel an invasive species?
YESNO
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No, the spotted moray is a native species in Florida!The spotted moray eel is a predator, and lives in the invasive species tank at LMC because that way the other aquarium fish are safe! Photos: Tanya Ryan
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What are some ways that you can help keep aquatic ecosystems safe from invasive species?
Never release pets or aquarium life into the wild
Purchase lionfish as a source of sustainable seafood
Release fish into the ocean when you no longer want them
Focus on catching native fish when out fishing
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By ensuring that you NEVER release pets or aquarium animals into the water, and by purchasing lionfish as a sustainable source of seafood, you can help keep aquatic ecosystems safe from invasive species!Photo: Credit Regan McCarthy WFSU News
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