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Volitans Lionfish
(Pterois volitans)
| Stats |
Maximum Length: 15.0 in.
Care Level: Easy
Family: Scorpaenidae
Reef Compatibility: Add with caution
Minimum Aquarium Size: 60 gal.
Range: Indo-Pacific
Diet: Carnivore
Water Conditions: 74-80° F; sg 1.020-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4
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Notes: The Volitans Lionfish is a popular choice for predatory aquariums and adapts well to aquarium life. As with groupers, lionfish will eat almost anything that can fit into their mouth. They will not attack fish that they cannot swallow whole, and do not nip at fish like triggers do.
Provide the lionfish with plenty of open swimming room and with rocks for it to rest on. Lionfish can grow fast so it is best to get a smaller specimen and let it grow, unless you have a large display aquarium. The lionfish has enormous pectoral fins, which it uses as a sort of fence to help trap potential prey. The lionfish will not bother coral, or clams, but will eat ornamental shrimp.
Live feeder fish or ghost shrimp may be required until the lionfish is acclimated to its new aquarium. Offer it a diet of meaty foods such as squid, marine fish, shrimp, and scallops.
CAUTION! All lionfish are venomous- do not touch this fish, always use a net or scoop to handle it. Be aware of where the lionfish is whenever you have your hands in the aquarium. They will not attack you, but some hobbyists have been stung while cleaning their aquarium because they poked themselves on its spines as it was trying to hide from them in the corner of the aquarium. It is best to let the lionfish see your hand in the aquarium, watch where it hides, and then keep away from it.
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