This video was taken at Aquarium De la Mer, Sea World,California, USA in June 2012<\/p>\n
Reproduction behavior:<\/strong> Usually, a male and few females of lionfish represent a mating group. The male lionfish is highly territorial and protects the mating area. The female lionfish releases between 2,000 and 15,000 eggs (with an average of about 8,000 eggs) into the water which are fertilized by the male lionfish. The hatching takes place in about 2 days whereas hatched lionfish fry remain near water surface and continue to grow. When the lionfish fry reach about an inch in length, they swim down into the ocean to join the reef community.<\/p>\n Economic importance:<\/strong>\u00a0Although lionfish have been considered as a popular food source in some countries, but are far important in the aquarium trade especially in the light of its spectacular looks and coloration.<\/p>\n Ecological concerns:<\/strong>\u00a0Lion fish has been widely transferred as aquarium fish been being released into natural waters whether accidently or intentionally. Being able to consume large number of prey species, lionfish are among the top predators in many coral reef environments of the Atlantic in the present. There are studies on the possible role or threat that introduced lionfish may impose on native fish species.<\/p>\n Information sources:<\/strong> NOAA, National Ocean Service, National Geographic, http:\/\/a-z-animals.com<\/a>, Buzzle.com<\/p>\n <\/p>\n