Spotfin Lionfish (Pterois antennata) Care Guide

Pterois antennata is an Indo-Pacific lionfish reaching about 20 cm. It is nocturnal, venomous, and feeds on crustaceans and small fishes.

Overview

Pterois antennata, the spotfin lionfish, belongs to the family Scorpaenidae. FishBase records a maximum length of 20 cm. The body is reddish to tan with dark bars, the median fins bear scattered dark spots, and a long banded tentacle sits above each eye. The pectoral fin rays are prominently elongated.

Taxonomy

• Family: Scorpaenidae
• Genus: Pterois
• Scientific name: Pterois antennata
• Common synonyms: Pteropterus antennatus (Bloch, 1787), used by FishBase

Habitat

FishBase reports an Indo-Pacific range from East Africa to the Marquesas and Mangaréva islands, north to southern Japan and south to Queensland. It inhabits lagoon and seaward reefs at depths of about 2 to 86 m, hiding in crevices under rocks and coral by day and hunting at night.

Tank requirements

• Minimum tank volume: 400 L (106 gal)
• Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• GH: 8-12 °dGH
• Lifespan: 8-18 years

Diet

This lionfish is a carnivore. FishBase reports it feeds on shrimps and crabs, and Wikipedia adds small fishes, including juveniles of its own species.

Compatibility

The species is generally solitary and nocturnal, most active after sunset; Wikipedia notes it rests by day with venomous spines pointing backwards. The verified record advises against small fish, ornamental shrimp and aggressive triggers, and pairs it with large, robust tankmates.

Breeding

According to Wikipedia, the species spawns monthly, with females producing up to 15,000 eggs. Captive breeding is regarded as expert-level.

Venom

Pterois antennata is venomous and, per FishBase, capable of inflicting a painful sting through its fin spines.

Conservation status

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2015). FishBase rates fishing vulnerability as low.