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I'll give an early wish for a Happy Thanksgiving. Ah, few things are better than sitting down at the table and eating all sorts of stuff like pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes, and most importantly, turkey. And with that theme, I present...

RFotW #12 -- Pterois radiata -- Radiata Lionfish, Clearfin Turkeyfish



Okay, so maybe this fish is not altogether rare, however it is one of the less common members of the Lionfish group that still holds the name "turkey" in some form by some people. It's easy to see how the Lionfish are able to gain such a name. The large pectoral fins certainly are reminiscent of turkey feathers and lion manes.

There are a number of theories to how these pectoral fins are and could be used. The most obvious fact is that these fins are used to help corner a fish. Using the fins, a lionfish can trap a fish and easily suck it up with its cavernous scorpaenid mouth. It's also proposed that these fins may help ward off predators. Obviously the bright colors of these fins and body advertise this venomous fish as a dangerous one. Also, these fins are said to also help make the lionfish perhaps appear more like a crinoid of some sort as it rests on the rock.

Radiata Lionfish are actually more delicate than your run of the mill scorpianfish. They often arrive in poor conditions at the fish store. However, feedings of meat (and most importantly not freshwater fish, which shouldn't be fed to saltwater fish for more reason than one) should keep this fish quite healthy; it is sometimes hard to get these fish to feed on anything else. It's more reclusive than the Volitans (the big lionfish that gets the size of a football you're most likely to see or imagine when you hear the name Lionfish), so hiding places should be provided. Also unlike the Volitans, this fish gets a great deal smaller; maxing at about 10", these fish will do fine in a tank as small as 65 gallons.

What happens if you get stung by one of these? First things first you'll notice it hurts like all heck. You want to put it in hot water (as hot as you can stand) as soon as possible and hold it under there. You would want to also get to the hospital quickly, as this is hardly a matter you should leave to yourself. Though there have been very few recorded deaths if any from lionfish stings, it's still a threat. Many more details can be found in the second link.

Herbert Axelrod has written that this is the most attractive of the Lionfishes, and I for one agree with him. This fish is said to be rare in the wild, so they arrive in fish stores relatively uncommonly compared to many other Lionfish. I've seen this fish grab a price of about $60 for a 6" specimen, but it was an attractive fish that would have been well worth the price.

Links:

http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.cfm?ID=4913&genusname=Pterois&speciesname=radiata

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-11/index.htm -- By gosh if you want to keep a Lionfish, read through the articles of this ReefKeeping issue devoted to things that sting! It gives much more info

Past RFOTW:
1. Polynemus paradiseus -- Paradise threadfin
2. Anableps anableps -- Four-Eyed Fish
3. Hypancistrus zebra -- Zebra Plec
4. Potamotrygon sp. -- Pearl Ray
5. Merodontotus Tigrinus -- Tigrinus Catfish, Zebra Shovelnose
6. Rhinopias aphanes -- Merlet's Scorpionfish, Lacy Scorpionfish
7. Tetraodon pustulatus
8. Astronotus orbicularis -- Bumblebee Oscar
9. Parambassis pulcinella -- Rhino Glassfish, Humphead Glassfish
10. Lepisosteus platyrhincus -- Golden Florida Gar
11. Polyodon spathula -- Missippi Paddlefish

Last edited by Shinigami at 21-Nov-2004 17:08[/font]

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

oooooohhhh yyyyyeeeaaa, one of my FAVORITE marine fish, along with all the species of lionfish. just look at that, almost too dang pretty to be a predator. make sure u drop a pic of the antennata some time in the future.

My favorite of the lionfish.. Thanks for the profile, Shini

Wow Shin. You now have enough to do a 'rare fish of the world' calendar!

[font color="#000080"]Lionfish are my favourite marine fish aswell.[/font]

Good inofrmation. As far as favorite marine fish go, I can't decide between Volitan's lionfish, the sailfin tang, the Zebra Moray eel, or the Red Emperor snapper.

I like marine bettas myself. I dont know much about marine fishes at the moment. Got over lion fishes years ago.

Picasso Triggers are the best, IMO.


Lovely fish of the week, Shini!

-Molly
Visit shelldwellers.com!

I am sooo lucky, mine is taking frozen krill. And he loves them, chows down on them.
Some pics of mine;




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There is always a bigger fish...

Just found this.

Liverpool Museum used to have 6 in a huge aquarium prior to the refit. I hope they bring these guys back once the new aquarium facility is in place!

I've always has a soft spot for this Lionfish - here in the UK it's known as the Regal Lionfish. And yes, it has a pretty hefty price tag too. Over here they can change hands for £200 a shot.

Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002