Diving into Danger! Exploring Invasive Fish with Kids

I remember the first time I went snorkeling. I knew about coral reefs, but to actually engage with the fish living under the thin line of water was like bobbing between two worlds.

A family friend took me to go spear fishing and even grabbed urchin from the bottom of the ocean floor.

These moments were awe inspiring to see the beautiful world come to life in a new way. One of the first conversations that my now husband and I had was about going spearfishing and enjoying the natural marine habitats in Hawaii.

Now we’re sharing some of this love with our children through games, stories, and educational opportunities; maybe one day we will get to take them on an underwater adventure in warm waters (We have a coastline in New Hampshire but it’s fairly cold). For now we will deep dive in a different way!

Learning about the Red Lionfish as an invasive case study

As a gardener, my children are somewhat familiar with the terms native, invasive, and aggressive. Learning about fish populations we chose to focus on the Red Lionfish as an invasive fish species in the western Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea.

Ultimately an invasive species is a plant or animal brought in from an outside environment that has started to take over and replace the original native species.

Here is a relative short overview of how Red Lionfish are taking over certain Marine environments:

While it is a beautiful specimen of fish with feathery fins and strikingly vivid colors, it’s not only dangerous to touch in the water but its beauty is deceptive. It is taking over commercially important fish species and is growing at rapid speed because of no natural predators in their invaded range and their ability to reproduce quickly and prolifically.

Why it is invasive species like the Red Lionfish are concerning

The beauty of the ocean I was able to experience as a teen is the same type of experience I want my children to get to enjoy for years to come. If invasive species are left unchecked, then they will displace the natural beauty and varied species that currently live there.

Little actions that we can do can make a big impact just like the small introduction of the Red Lionfish led to huge population growth and takeover. (Though the Red Lionfish is not the only outsider to cause ripples in the ocean’s ecosystems; Asian Carp or snakehead are just two other examples.) Just a few former aquarium inhabitants are responsible for today’s outnumbering invasive outsider problem.

Invasive species impact an environment in these ways:

• Upset the natural balance in the ecosystem they are invading
• Eat up and replace native fish populations
• Influence natural habitats
• Take over the homes of previous fish
• Impact the commercial fishing industry

We talked about how it would be like moving into a neighborhood and making it miserable for everyone nearby to live and then slowly buying out and taking over the houses and land.

And then we simulated an invasive takeover with a simple game (also available in the first 5 Marine Wildlife Printable Pack:

Comparing Maps

Using a map of the world, we discussed the different regions where the Red Lionfish is a native and local fish versus where they are currently invading. Using what they knew about the environments we also discussed how the climate is different as well.

Create a Venn Diagram. This is a great opportunity to not just discuss the geography between the two places, but the climate and typical habitats found in the two areas. Explore the reef structures, the typical water temperatures, the local fish population that are prey for the Lionfish, and more.

Citizen Science: Local Invasive Initiatives

In applying the idea of the Red Lionfish as an invasive species, I had my children research and investigate what invasive species are concerning to our local area and why.

In New Hampshire where we live, the common carp is destroying natural habitats and outcompeting native fish species in the state’s largest lake, Lake Winnipesaukee.

In your area whether Ocean, Lake, River, or even just plants, there is bound to be a a concerning non-native species in your local environment. Take a moment to identify them, discover the problem they are creating, and find out what is being done to manage the population. Maybe you can even get involved locally for a hands-on experience!

While Red Lionfish have venomous barbs, they are edible which is just one small way ordinary people are helping with the problem (This reduces the number of fish, even if a small amount, but also the number of fish reproducing which could mean thousands of fish not added!)

We watched this idea on how to handle and prepare Red Lionfish as a sustainable food option:

Local Invasives: Extension Activity

After researching, going on a field trip, and/or talking to a local conservationist, take time to spread awareness about controlling invasive species in your area!

Create a pamphlet to educate others and hand out or even a slide show. Have your children analyze the impact from before and after as well as the efforts to manage and mitigate the problem.

Make sure they discuss the importance of never releasing pets into the wild (like the lionfish were to an area of the ocean where they didn’t belong) or relocating wildlife; many states and regions have laws against relocating something even as simple as a squirrel or chipmunk.

Making Waves for a Healthy Ocean

• Discuss other ways to help protect the ocean such as picking up at the beaches when visiting, how plastic bags mimic jellyfish and harm jellyfish predators, and other examples.
• Keep learning about the delicate, but beautiful balance of Marine Wildlife Habitats! The more we are aware, know, and learn, the more we are able to make a difference.
  

Grab the Red Lionfish Printable Pack or a Marine Wildlife Bundle:

I have created both an individual fish guide that includes the key characteristics of the Red Lionfish, 5 facts, the taxonomic name and dichotomous key, and the activity shown in this post as well as a bundle of 5 fish we have studied and a full unit!

I used the Key details and facts to have my children practice copywork, then we did the activity, and watched all of the videos in this post.

Full Length Documentary on Red Lionfish:

Kara Carrero

Kara is an author and advocate for positive, grace-filled parenting. She is homeschooler to her 6 children living on a farm in New England. She believes in creative educational approaches to help kids dive deeper into a rich learning experience and has her degree in Secondary Education & Adolescent Childhood Development. She is passionate about connecting with and helping other parents on their journey to raise awesome kids!