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Lionfish


seabass

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Lionfish

Red_lionfish_near_Gilli_Banta_Island.JPG

Lionfish are often referred to as Scorpionfish, or even sometimes Firefish or Turkeyfish.  They were native to the Indo-Pacific, but are now are found in most oceans (and considered a pest due to the lack of native predators).  Lionfish look exotic, are relatively personable, are hardy, and adapt well to captivity.  Provide plenty of live rock for shelter, and adequate filtration for their relatively large bio-load.

 

The spines of Lionfish are venomous, and will typically cause a reaction similar to a bee sting; however, it can also kill other fish.  If you are stung, soak the affected area in hot water (between 100ºF and 114ºF).  It's probably best to keep Lionfish in a species only tank; however, if your tank is large enough, it might be possible to keep other similar sized fish.

 

When first introduced, you might try feeding your Lionfish live saltwater feeder shrimp to entice it to eat. Their diet should consist of meaty foods such as: live marine fish and shrimp, with the occasional pieces of crustacean flesh.  Some species will accept frozen food (especially when purchased young).

 

Mombasa Lionfish (Pterois mombasae)

Max Size: 6.5"

Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons

Care level: Moderate

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Reef Compatible: With Caution
Origin: Indonesia, Maldives

Fish_Aquarium_Barcelona.jpg

 

Zebra Lionfish (Dendrochirus zebra) a.k.a. Dwarf Lionfish

Max Size: 7"

Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons

Care level: Moderate

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Reef Compatible: With Caution
Origin: Eastern Asia, South Asia, Vanuatu

Pterois_zebra.JPG

 

Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish (Dendrochirus brachypterus)

Max Size: 7"

Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons

Care level: Moderate

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Reef Compatible: With Caution
Origin: Africa, Indonesia

Dendrochirus_brachypterus.jpg

 

Antennata Lionfish (Pterois antennata)

Max Size: 8"

Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons

Care level: Moderate

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Reef Compatible: With Caution
Origin: Africa, Indo-Pacific, Tahiti

MC_Rotfeuerfisch.jpg

 

Radiata Lionfish (Pterois radiata)

Max Size: 10"

Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons

Care level: Moderate

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Reef Compatible: With Caution
Origin: Africa, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Tahiti

Clearfin_lionfish_(Pterois_radiata).JPG

 

Miles Lionfish (Pterois miles)

Max Size: 1'

Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons

Care level: Easy

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Reef Compatible: With Caution
Origin: Africa, Sumatra

Common_lionfish_at_Shaab_Angosh_reef.JPG

 

Russell's Lionfish (Pterois russelli)

Max Size: 1' 2"

Minimum Tank Size: 120 gallons

Care level: Easy

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Reef Compatible: With Caution
Origin: Africa, Asia

 

Volitan Lionfish (Pterois volitans)

Max Size: 1' 3"

Minimum Tank Size: 120 gallons

Care level: Moderate

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Reef Compatible: With Caution
Origin: Africa, Indo-Pacific, Sri Lanka

Pterois_volitans_Manado-e_edit.jpg

 

Photos by image.png.764b7df6a2818ad7ca0b4ddd2d888742.png

 

Saltwater Fish Index

 

Edited by seabass
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22 minutes ago, William said:

Volitan Lionfish (Pterois antennata) a.k.a. Antennata Lionfish - I dont think this is accurate

You're right.  Live Aquaria had their profiles duplicated.  I separated and corrected the error.  Thank you.

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