Lionfish Care Guide

[Ammonia Spike]

Volitan Lionfish
(Pterois volitans)

These striking fish make excellent aquarium fish if given enough space and a proper diet. They are one of the more hardy lionfish, and can make a great addition to a large saltwater tank.

ABOUT LIONFISH STINGS: All lionfish species are venomous, with stings ranging from mild to life-threatening. Use common sense when dealing with these fish, and promptly seek medical attention should you be stung, as some people can have severe allergic reactions.

Size:
Although volitan lionfish are often sold as smaller juveniles (about 4 inches) they can grow up to about 14 inches in length. While juveniles can be housed in a 75 gallon, a full grown fish needs at least 100 gal of swimming space.

Housing:
Although volitan lionfish will not harm corals, they are not recommended for reef tanks as they will prey upon shrimp and small fish. A fish only or fish only with live rock setup is ideal.

Specific Gravity: 1.022 -1.024

Temperature: 76 - 78 degrees Fahrenheit

Feeding:
Some volitan lionfish can be picky eaters at first- feeding silversides or krill with a feeding prong may tempt a picky fish to eat. Live feeders are not recommended as a staple food due to their high fat content and the possibility of introducing parasites into the tank. A good staple diet is vitamin-supplemented krill, squid and other meaty foods.

Compatibility:
Volitans will eat anything that will fit in their mouths, so care should be taken in choosing tankmates. Larger fish such as puffers and tangs make good tankmates.

Breeding:
Volitan lionfish have not been bred in captivity.  

[Ammonia Spike]

Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish
(Dendrochirus brachypterus)

Fuzzy dwarf lionfish are a good alternative to volitan lionfish in a smaller tank. They are prized for their beautiful colors and fins, and their interesting behaviour. Fuzzy dwarf lionfish have several different color varieties, including brown, red, and the rare yellow morph.


Size:
About 5 inches in total.

Housing:
Like volitans, fuzzies are not recommended for reef tanks as they will prey upon shrimp and small fish. A fish only or fish only with live rock setup is ideal. For one lion, 30 gallons is enough, but more room is needed for groups. Heavy filtration is a must.

Specific Gravity: 1.022 -1.024

Temperature: 76 - 78 degrees Fahrenheit

Feeding:
Same as volitans.

Compatibility:
Should not be kept with fish that will fit in their mouths. Fuzzies can be kept together in groups, and will actually hunt for food together, using their fanlike pectoral fins to corner floating pieces of krill.

Breeding:
Fuzzy dwarf lionfish have not been bred in captivity.