Saddleback Syndrome in the Common Lionfish Pterois miles(Scorpaeniformes: Scorpaenidae), Off Cyprus, Eastern Mediterranean Sea

Two abnormal specimens of the common lionfish Pterois miles(Bennett, 1828) (Scorpaeniformes: Scorpaenidae) were caught off the eastern and southeastern coasts of Cyprus, in the eastern Mediterranean Sea (Levantine Basin). Abnormalities (notches) in both specimens were observed in the dorsal fin. In one specimen (33 cm, total length and 565 g, gutted weight) three dorsal fin spines were absent (and the proximal pterygiophore of the 9th spine shorter or absent), while in the other specimen (40 cm, total length and 845 g, gutted weight) four fin-rays were missing. Globally, many other fish species are reported with this abnormality, known as the saddleback syndrome, whose origin could be congenital, pollutant-related, and physical. Given that P. milesis a Lessepsian migrant fish in the Mediterranean Sea, and an invasive species, a removal campaign began in Cyprus since 2017. In this campaign, scuba/free divers, and fishers, have been encouraged to remove it, mainly with pole spears or sling shots, to fight its population invasion. It is possible that this syndrome in P. milesis due to physical injuries related to failed spearfishing attempts rather than an either congenital or pollutant-related origin.