Volitan Lionfish (Pterois Volitans)
Volitan Lionfish (Pterois Volitans)
The Volitan Lionfish is a striking marine predator native to the Indo-Pacific, renowned for its elaborate finnage and 13 venomous dorsal spines. Reaching mature lengths of 30 to 38 cm, this impressive fish serves as a commanding centerpiece for spacious marine setups requiring a minimum volume of 454.2 L.
While generally peaceful alongside fish too large to swallow, it will readily hunt ornamental invertebrates and small tankmates. Care must be taken during routine maintenance due to its venomous spines, and it thrives best on a varied carnivore diet of frozen marine fare such as krill, silversides, and squid.
Key Features
| Scientific Name | Pterois volitans |
| Primary Common Name | Black or Red Volitan Lionfish |
| Other Common Names | Red Lionfish, Turkeyfish, Butterfly Cod |
| Origin | Indo-Pacific (Widespread) |
| Max Size | 30–38 cm |
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive / Predatory (Venomous) |
| Diet | Carnivore (Must be converted to frozen meaty foods) |
| Minimum Tank Size | 454.2+ L |
| Reef Compatibility | With Caution (Will eat invertebrates and small fish) |
| Product Type | Live Marine Fish |
Highlights
- Diet: This fish is a dedicated carnivore and a highly effective predator. In the wild, it hunts small fish and crustaceans. In captivity, it requires non-living, meaty foods such as frozen krill, silversides, chunks of squid, and marine shrimp. Avoid feeding freshwater feeder fish (like guppies or goldfish) as this leads to nutritional deficiencies such as fatty liver disease.
- Feeding: Feed every 2-3 days as an adult until the stomach shows a slight bulge.
- Reef Compatibility: Reef Safe With Caution. While the Lionfish generally ignores corals, it will systematically hunt and eat nearly all ornamental invertebrates (shrimp, crabs, snails, etc.) and any fish that can fit into its mouth (roughly half its body size).
- Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Predatory. It should only be housed with large, robust, and fast-moving tankmates that are at least half its body length. Suitable tankmates include large tangs, groupers, and aggressive marine angels. It is solitary and should be kept singly or in mated pairs.
- Venomous Spines: The sting is extremely painful. If stung, immediately immerse the affected area in the hottest water tolerable (not scalding) for 30-90 minutes, as heat breaks down the protein-based venom. Seek medical attention immediately.
Compatibility
Suitable for large marine aquariums alongside robust, active species such as large tangs, groupers, and aggressive marine angels. Incompatible with small fish or ornamental invertebrates like shrimp and crabs.
How to use
Feed adult specimens every 2 to 3 days until the stomach shows a slight bulge. Exercise extreme caution during aquarium maintenance to avoid accidental contact with dorsal spines.
Frequently asked questions
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