Lionfish

[Trod]

Ok Christmas is over and my research for my big tank begins As the title says I am looking to keep lionfish, I have now got Volume 1 of the reef fishes book as recommended and I have decided against The volitans, as much as I would love one they would just be to big.
I am hoping to get a 250l tank. I'm not to bothered about keeping corals with them although I beleive soft corals would be ok.
I have been looking at The Dendrochitus Brachypterus in particular the Dwarf and fuzzy Dwarf and The Pterois Russelli and Radiata and to a lesser degree the antennata, I suppose it really depends on what I can get hold of when I'm ready to buy but these are top of my list.

My questions, would I be able to keep the Dwarf with the Russelli/Radiata and if so in what quantities?

also would I be able to keep Scorpionfish with the above and if so which type would be best?

I have also read that I could feed them with cockles and Mussels is this correct.

I am really in the early stages of planning this tank and would really appreciate your help

I obviously want to get this right first time and the research and planning is the most important part

 

[andywg]

You should be alright with the fish you have chosen, though I am a little unsure on P. ruselli with the fish you have mentioned. P. radiata can be a bit fragile in captivity.

Provided oyu have a fairly large dwarf lion and a smaller Pterois sp then you should be alright, though there will be a small risk (so keep them well fed).

Scorpionfish can be kept with lions, just make sure it is large enough not to be eaten.

 

[Trod]

Thanks Andywg.

Soooo as long as scorpionfish is larger than lion and lion is larger than Pterois Russelli I should be ok. and the three would be ok or could I have more than one of each?

What about food, mussels and cockles, living so close to leigh on sea I would have good supply

 

[andywg]

Doesn't have to be bigger, but at least 2/3 the size to try and prevent it being eaten.

The food you have suggested should be fine. The lionfish naturally hunt inverts. You can soak any food you use in a vitamin solution to ensure they get all the nutrients they need. Tugs Tanks on Southchurch Road, Southend isn't too far from you and Mark in there does a good spray on additive to allow frozen food to defrost in.