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Finding a 3.9 mm larva of the lionfish in the Amazon raises maximum alert and indicates that the invader may already be reproducing in the region.

Published on 27/03/2026 at 11:32
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The discovery of a lionfish larva with 9 days of life at the mouth of the Amazon indicates local reproduction of the invasive species, dismantles the hypothesis of a natural barrier of the plume, and expands the alert about risks to the Great Amazon Reef System

Brazilian researchers located at the mouth of the Amazon a 3.9 mm lionfish larva, the largest invasive species in the Atlantic, with 9 days of life, indicating reproduction in the region and dismantling the idea that the river plume would block the predator.

Findings change the scenario

The encounter with the larva surprised specialists who viewed the freshwater plume of the Amazon as a natural barrier against the lionfish, coming from saltwater.

The discovery showed that this blockage did not prevent the arrival of the predator.

Lionfish, larva
Record of a lionfish – R_Winkelmann, via Pixabay

Barrier turned filter

According to the material, the highly adaptable species managed to cross the area of turbid and low-salinity water formed at the confluence of the river and the Atlantic. Instead of a definitive blockage, the plume began to function as a brief filter.

Larva expands concern

The most alarming data for researchers was the age of the animal found. At only 9 days old, the larva was not yet developed enough to swim, indicating that the lionfish managed to reproduce in the very region.

Study points to installation

The study by researchers Paula Campos, Igor Hamoy, and master’s student Lucas Corrêa showed that the cycle closed. In practice, this means that the lionfish managed to infiltrate and settle permanently in the region.

The main concern now is the impact on the Great Amazon Reef System, described in the material as one of the most exuberant ecosystems on the planet. The area is unique, fragile, and still little explored by science.

Containment is still possible

According to the cited interview, researchers state that there is not much hope left for eradicating the lionfish in the region.

Still, they consider it possible to contain and mitigate the effects of the invasive species on this ecosystem. The case has made everything more complex there.

With information from Aventuras na História.

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Romário Pereira de Carvalho

Já publiquei milhares de matérias em portais reconhecidos, sempre com foco em conteúdo informativo, direto e com valor para o leitor. Fique à vontade para enviar sugestões ou perguntas

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