Common Name(s): Volitan Lionfish, Common Lionfish, Red Firefish, Turkeyfish, Butterfly Cod
Scientific Name: Pterois volitans
Familycorpaenidae
Origin: Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka, Africa
Maximum Size: 15"
Care: Should be housed in a tank of at least 75 gallons but preferably more. Can be kept with other members of the same family including most lionfish and scorpionfish*(see notes). These fish are not very active. They like to perch and sometimes hide in caves but will gladly come out for food in most cases. this fish can and will eat any small fish. This fish is a good fish for a beginner providing you dont need to stick your hand in the tank too often(see notes).
Feeding: These fish can be difficult to wean to frozen food. When you first get it feed it live ghost shrimp at first. When it recognizes you as a feeder and will eat ghost shrimp readily you can start to try silversides soaked in garlic. When you get it on a regular schedule you can stop feeding ghost shrimp except as a treat. A good diet would include silversides and krill soaked in a multivitamin. You can also supplement this diet with cocktail shrimp, scallops, squid( not too often), and any other fresh seafood you can find. A very important feeding rule is NEVER feed freshwater feeders such as goldfish, guppies, rosey reds, etc. These fish cause fatty liver disease down the road and will kill your fish.
Sexing/Breeding: There is no sure way to tell if a lionfish is a male or female to my knowledge. If you do get a pair they will breed often. Unfortunately the fry have never been raised past 9 days as they need fresh seawater every day to survive. Thyey are born about as big as . that dot.
Notes: It should be noted that THIS FISH IS POISONOUS and can sting you . The stingers are the dorsal and pelvic fins. If you are stung stick your hand in water as hot as you can stand. You should have all the symptomns of a bee sting but it will hurt much worse. If you think you may be allergic than seek medical help right away.
* if you would like a scorpionfish then do NOT get a stonefish. If you are stung than you will die in a matter of minutes.
Picture credit goes to Gasguzzler of SWF.com
Scientific Name: Pterois volitans
Familycorpaenidae
Origin: Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka, Africa
Maximum Size: 15"
Care: Should be housed in a tank of at least 75 gallons but preferably more. Can be kept with other members of the same family including most lionfish and scorpionfish*(see notes). These fish are not very active. They like to perch and sometimes hide in caves but will gladly come out for food in most cases. this fish can and will eat any small fish. This fish is a good fish for a beginner providing you dont need to stick your hand in the tank too often(see notes).
Feeding: These fish can be difficult to wean to frozen food. When you first get it feed it live ghost shrimp at first. When it recognizes you as a feeder and will eat ghost shrimp readily you can start to try silversides soaked in garlic. When you get it on a regular schedule you can stop feeding ghost shrimp except as a treat. A good diet would include silversides and krill soaked in a multivitamin. You can also supplement this diet with cocktail shrimp, scallops, squid( not too often), and any other fresh seafood you can find. A very important feeding rule is NEVER feed freshwater feeders such as goldfish, guppies, rosey reds, etc. These fish cause fatty liver disease down the road and will kill your fish.
Sexing/Breeding: There is no sure way to tell if a lionfish is a male or female to my knowledge. If you do get a pair they will breed often. Unfortunately the fry have never been raised past 9 days as they need fresh seawater every day to survive. Thyey are born about as big as . that dot.
Notes: It should be noted that THIS FISH IS POISONOUS and can sting you . The stingers are the dorsal and pelvic fins. If you are stung stick your hand in water as hot as you can stand. You should have all the symptomns of a bee sting but it will hurt much worse. If you think you may be allergic than seek medical help right away.
* if you would like a scorpionfish then do NOT get a stonefish. If you are stung than you will die in a matter of minutes.
Picture credit goes to Gasguzzler of SWF.com