哥伦比亚加勒比红狮鱼Pterois volitans(Linnaeus,1758年)的汞和甲基汞总含量的地理空间异质性.

Geospatial heterogeneity in total mercury and methylmercury concentrations in the red lionfish Pterois volitans (Linnaeus, 1758) from the Colombian Caribbean.

Understanding mercury dynamics in invasive marine predators is essential for evaluating both ecological risks and human consumption safety. This study quantified total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations in the muscle of red lionfish Pterois volitans (Linnaeus, 1758) collected from two sites in the Colombian Caribbean: Isla Fuerte (n = 38) and Santa Marta Bay (n = 22). Morphometric variables (total length and body mass) were recorded, and correlations with Hg concentrations were assessed. Mean THg levels were significantly higher in red lionfish from Santa Marta Bay (177.85 ± 50.10 µg kg⁻¹ ww) than in those from Isla Fuerte (107.80 ± 31.10 µg kg⁻¹ ww). Similarly, MeHg concentrations were greater at Santa Marta Bay (156.22 ± 41.80 µg kg⁻¹ ww) compared with Isla Fuerte (93.20 ± 30.70 µg kg⁻¹ ww). Despite these differences, all mean THg and MeHg values remained well below the maximum allowable limit for fish intended for human consumption (500 µg kg⁻¹) established by the European Union. Significant positive correlations between THg and MeHg concentrations as well as both length and mass were detected only in Isla Fuerte, suggesting site-dependent drivers of Hg accumulation. Overall, the results indicate that red lionfish from both locations pose no consumption risk based on Hg content, while the spatial differences observed highlight the influence of local ecological or geochemical factors on bioaccumulation. Given the rapid global expansion of red lionfish, these findings provide valuable insight into Hg exposure patterns in invasive predators and support international efforts to assess seafood safety and ecological impacts across tropical marine ecosystems.