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.

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