Pterois volitans

Common Names:

Common Lionfish
Lionfish
Marine Dragonfish
Turkeyfish

Synonyms:

Family:

Scorpaenidae

Category:

OthersSW

Distribution:

Indo Pacific; Widespread in Pacific, including Barrier Reef, Australia, Marquesas Islands, southern Japan and New Zealand.

Main Ecosystem:

Reef; Inhabits mature reef systems with large aggregations of Acorpora stony corals and other reef building corals, also found around shipwrecks.

Temperament:

Predatory; A pure predator in the wild, feeding exclusively upon other fishes, various crustaceans, etc., which are pursued either by single individuals or groups working as a team. Peaceful with fishes too large to eat, and preferably larger than the Lionfish itself, though certain species (for example Picasso Triggers) should be avoided as companions as these will attack the Lionfish (this compatibility issue reported by Reefkeeping magazine online).

Diet:

Carnivore; In the aquarium, will adapt to non-living foods provided that these are animal based: fish flesh, shrimp and crab flesh, etc., are all relished by this species. Care must be taken to ensure that any fish flesh is sourced from marine species, as long term consumption of freshwater fish flesh (e.g., feeder goldfish) can result in chronic liver complications in later life. Can be gluttonous: take care to ensure that it does not gorge, and thus pass partially digested food when excreting, as this will affect nitrogen cycle management adversely. Be advised that all Lionfishes have truly cavernous mouthparts, and can engulf surprisingly large morsels given the opportunity!

Care:

Large aquarium required for long term maintenace due not only to substantial body size, but the extravagant spread of finnage. MINIMUM aquarium dimensions for long term care should be 72" long x 24" wide x 18" high, and preferably substantially larger, especially if more than one individual is maintained. If maintained alongside other fish species, which themselves need to be large to avoid becoming food for the Lionfish, aquarium dimensions should be increased accordingly. Will coexist with numerous other large marine show fishes, though some Triggerfish species should be avoided as noted above. A very large aquarium (in this case, 'very large' meaning 1,000 gallons and upwards) containing half a dozen Lionfishes makes a spectacular display. Furnish aquarium with rocks and coral skeletons aquacaped to resemble a reef environment as closely as possible. Not dangerous to living corals, but will consume shrimps and certain other crustaceans with undisguised relish, so not safe for a reef aquarium containing these animals. Among the hardiest of all marine aquarium fishes, though this is of course no excuse for skimping upon aquarium maintenance! A SPECIAL WORD OF WARNING needs to be issued with respect to this and other Lionfishes of the same Genus: the first eleven dorsal spines resemble hypodermic needles in construction, and possess venom glands at the base: contact with these spines is to be avoided, as the resulting envenomation, though only fatal if the aquarist is e to anaphylactic shock, is excruciatingly painful and will require hospital treatment. Venom is a cocktail of protein-based compounds denatured by heat - in cases of envenomation, bathe affected area in hot water to deactivate the venom, then seek IMMEDIATE hospital attention.

pH:

Temperature:

24°C - 27°C

75°F - 81°F

Specific Gravity:

1.022 - 1.026

Potential Size:

Male: 38cm (15")
Female: 38cm (15")

Water Region:

Middle; Will cruise in open water between prominent coral 'landmarks' as well as close to rocky and coralline cover.

Activity:

Diurnal; Feeds by daytime, using excellent vision to locate food items.

Gender:

No obvious gender differences observable by the aquarist.

Breeding:

Spawning of this species was first reported in TFH magazine in the late 1970s, and intermittent reports continue to emanate from aquarists fortunate enough to be able to house several individuals in large quarters. Successful breeding and raising of fry to adulthood, on the other hand, has not yet been reported: doubtless this will change as more aquarists learn to house groups of these fishes in appropriately spacious and sensitively furnished quarters. Few observations of the wild fish spawning exist in the literature, surprising given the popularity of the species.

Variants:

Some interesting colour morphs exist: fishes are usually divided into 'red' or 'black' morphs, depending upon how light or dark the variable banding is, and very occasionally, solid black specimens (extremely rare and VERY expensive!) may be found.

Comments:

Even non-fishkeepers readily recognise this spectacular and extravagantly finned fish, which is one of the archetypal coral reef fishes in many people's minds. An impressive and intelligent show fish for large marine aquaria, specimens can become real pets, learning to take food from the aquarist's fingers, and indeed are truly 'personality' fishes as well as being utterly stunning in appearance. An article in the May 1978 edition of TFH magazine covers this in enchanting detail!

Main Colours:

White, Red, Black

Markings:

Striped Vertical

Mouth:

Normal

Tail:

Flat

Search:

Image Credit:

Calilasseia

Submitted By:

Calilasseia

Contributors:

Calilasseia

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