Red Lionfish (Pterois volitans) Care Guide
An iconic and dramatic marine fish with elaborate, fan-like pectoral fins and venomous dorsal spines. Its maroon and white striped body creates a majestic display as it slowly patrols the aquarium.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published
Overview
Pterois volitans is a species in the family Scorpaenidae. An iconic and dramatic marine fish with elaborate, fan-like pectoral fins and venomous dorsal spines. Its maroon and white striped body creates a majestic display as it slowly patrols the aquarium. A sit-and-wait ambush predator that will eat anything fitting in its surprisingly large mouth. Handle with extreme care due to venomous spines.
Taxonomy
- Family: Scorpaenidae
- Genus: Pterois
- Scientific name: Pterois volitans
- Other names: Common Lionfish, Turkey Fish
- Origin: Indo-Pacific, Western Atlantic
Habitat
Pterois volitans is a venomous-spined lionfish of Indo-Pacific reefs, now an invasive species in the western Atlantic. It hunts small fish and crustaceans by cornering them with its fan-like pectoral fins; venomous dorsal spines demand careful handling.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 300 L
- Temperature: 23-27 °C
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
- KH: 8-12 dKH
- Water flow: low
- Adult size: 25-38 cm
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
- Difficulty: intermediate
Diet
Classified as carnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: every 2-3 days. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.
Compatibility
- Temperament: semi-aggressive
- Position in tank: middle
- Compatible tank mates: Large Tangs, Large Angelfish, Triggerfish, Other Lionfish
- Avoid with: Small Fish, Small Shrimp, Small Crabs
Reef compatibility
Generally classified as reef-safe with caution: may disturb other sessile invertebrates, sting neighbouring corals or prey on small ornamental shrimps, so placement and tankmates need consideration.
Breeding
- Breeding strategy: egg-scatterer
- Breeding difficulty: advanced