Volitan Lionfish (Pterois miles) Care Guide
Closely related to the Red Lionfish, this Indian Ocean species features similarly dramatic fan-like fins with venomous spines. Distinguished by slightly fewer dorsal and pectoral fin rays.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Pterois miles is a species in the family Scorpaenidae. Closely related to the Red Lionfish, this Indian Ocean species features similarly dramatic fan-like fins with venomous spines. Distinguished by slightly fewer dorsal and pectoral fin rays. An impressive display fish that commands attention in any large FOWLR system. Equally venomous and predatory as its Atlantic cousin.
Taxonomy
- Family: Scorpaenidae
- Genus: Pterois
- Scientific name: Pterois miles
- Other names: Devil Firefish, Indian Lionfish
- Origin: Indian Ocean, Red Sea
Habitat
Pterois miles is a lionfish of the Indian Ocean and Red Sea, closely resembling and ecologically similar to Pterois volitans. A nocturnal ambush predator of small fish and crustaceans, it bears venomous spines and grows large enough to require a spacious tank.
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: 25-35 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
Volitan Lionfish Breeding Guide
Overview
Pterois miles is an Indian Ocean and Red Sea lionfish closely related to Pterois volitans, with the same elaborate venomous fins and the same reproductive biology. Like its relative it is a fecund pelagic spawner, and there are no practical protocols for breeding it in a home aquarium.
Spawning Behavior
As in other lionfish, courtship and mating are complex, and females release mucus-filled egg clusters that the male fertilizes in the water column. In Pterois the clusters can contain as many as 15,000 eggs, and females can lay up to about 2 million eggs per year, reproducing monthly under suitable conditions.
Larval Development
The fertilized egg masses are buoyant and the resulting larvae are planktonic, dispersing on oceanic currents. This open-water larval phase, shared with the Red Lionfish, contributes to invasive spread in non-native ranges and has no equivalent inside a home aquarium.
Why Home Breeding Is Not Feasible
The buoyant pelagic egg masses, planktonic current-dependent larvae and the hazard of safely managing venomous broodstock together place the Volitan Lionfish outside the scope of home breeding, just as for the closely related Red Lionfish.