Pterois volitans
This is the most commonly seen (and kept) Lionfish. It is also the largest at about 16 inches full adult length. These fish are so lazy that many times people think they are dead when they are merely resting upside down! The Red Lionfish is also often sold as P. volitans but is actually Pterois lunulata. The Red Lionfish doen't have the antennae above the eyebrows like this one does.
Maintenance difficulty:
This fish is easy to keep.Lionfish are among the hardiest of all marine fish. In the beginning though, make sure you have a reliable supplier of feeder fish.
Maintenance:
Feed live fish in the beginning, gradually enticing them to eat frozen of fresh foods such as silversides and lancefish. Other crustaceans and seafoods can also be tried. They should be encouraged to eat non-live marine foods as soon as possible.
Habitat: Natural goegraphic location:
Found in the Indo-Pacific.
Foods:
They feed mainly on crustaceans in the wild but will also eat small fishes.
Social Behaviours:
Sociable and peaceful, can be considered a community fish as long as the tankmates are not small enough to eat!
Sex: Sexual differences:
Unknown.
Breeding/Reproduction
Unknown.
Light: Recommended light levels:
No special requirements.
Temperature:
No special requirements. Normal temperatures for marine fish is between 74 and 79 degrees fahrenheit.
Length/Diameter of fish:
Adults can grow to 16 inches.
Minimum Tank Length/Size:
A minimum 75 gallon aquarium is recommended.
Water Movement: Weak, Moderate, Strong
No special requirements.
Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom
Will swim anywhere their prey takes them.
Availability:
This fish is generally the most readily available of all the lionfish.
