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In a 48"x16"x24" tank, could a Pterois volitans or a P. radiata thrive?
Since the P. radiata is smaller, could 2 be put in there? Or could you put 1 Radiata and some other fish (Yellow Tangs come to mind as a good choice).

Both would thrive in that sized tank. Either of your choices would work. The volitans' eventual size requires careful stocking with other fish and I'd take care of yellow tangs with lions, especially if the tang is bigger. This is mainly due to the fact that the tang will certainly 'win' the race for food intially unless you feed feeder fish (of which I personally don't do). This is just my opinion though and which ever set-up you go with, enjoy.

Are you aware of how big Volitans lions get in the home aquarium? 15 inches across with fins. That means you could have no rock or structures of any kind, less than one inch of subtrate and the lion would have difficulty turning around . Moreso any tang etc would be easy prey as there would be nowhere to hide or run from the lion.



My advice is don't attempt a volitans lion unlees you want to upgrade to the very least a 120 gallon tank.

A radiata will in time need more space but will be a better candidate.

But best of all would be a dwarf species such as the fu man chu, Zebra, or the fuzzy.

Good luck with your tank but remeber no matter which lion you pick they all end up eating small to medium sized fish so plan your stocking list carefully.

I'll agree on ditching the Volitans. That tank doesn't sound much more than 75 gallons, and a much larger tank is recommended for these beasts (I think 125 gallons is recommended for an adult). However, I have read that Radiatas are fine in such a tank, as well as Antenattas. Obviously dwarf species will be fine as well, but you can't touch Volitans or Russel's in a tank that size.

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The aquarist is one who must learn the ways of the biologist, the chemist, and the veterinarian.