The introduction of invasive species in marine environments is rare but detrimental to the existence of native species. The Indo-Pacific lionfish species (Pterois volitans and P. miles) recently has invaded coral reefs across the Atlantic and Caribbean at an alarming rate. These invaders are altering the evolutionary pathways of native species through unprecedented predation, niche displacement, competition, and extinction. One keystone species currently being affected by the lionfish invasion is the parrotfish (Family Scaridae). The parrotfish plays a vital role in the stabilization of coral reef ecosystems by preventing a phase shift from coral to macro-algal dominated reefs. Phase shift to algal dominated communities at mesophotic depths
