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Freshwater Lionfish

Three-spined Frogfish ~ Toadfish Family: Batrachoididae

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Batrachomoeus trispinosus Photo © Animal-World: Courtesy David Brough

  Though this critter is called the Freshwater Lionfish, it is actually much more of a brackish water fish... or even saltwater!

   No one is quite sure how this species received the common name of Freshwater Lionfish. They are not related to the saltwater Lionfish family and fortunately, are not venomous like the saltwater Lionfish. Probably someone with an overactive imagination couldn’t pronounce Batrachomoeus trispinosus and needed to call them something! In Australian common name for them is the Three-spine Frogfish.

   The names of Toadfish, Frogfish and even Stonefish give a better impression of what this fish looks and acts like. It is truly an oddball fish, and rather grumpy. The broad head and large mouth are very frog-like. It also feeds very much like a frog or toad would, waiting patiently until its food comes within range and then gulping it down quickly. The members of the Toadfish received their name because most of them can make a croaking sound when molested or when the males are courting females. It is unlikely that your pet will make this sound but you never know. Some aquarists have reported their fish grunting loudly when tank mates swim by, giving their fellow inhabitants quite a scare and making them race out of the area!

For more Information on keeping freshwater fish see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Freshwater Aquarium

Distribution:
   The Freshwater Lionfish was described by Günther in 1861. They are common species found throughout the Indo-West Pacific; northwestern Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Arafura Sea, and the Mekong delta. They inhabit reefs and trawling areas of coastal waters and the muddy bottoms of mangrove estuaries.
   Most seen in the aquarium fish trade are exported from Thailand. These fish are also known as the Three-spined Frogfish, Freshwater Toadfish, Freshwater Frogfish, and Freshwater Stonefish.

Status:
   The species is not listed on the IUCN Red List.

Description:
   The Freshwater Lionfish sits very still and looks much like a camouflaged brown lump, or stone, thus the name stonefish. It has a large broad head, taking up about one third of its length, and a big mouth. There are spines its skin, these can cause pain if they are brushed against with your hand. Though this isn't really a threat, if a person is prone to allergic reactions they should be cautious.

Size - Weight:
   The Freshwater Lionfish can grow to as long as 12 inches (30 cm).

Care and feeding:
   The Freshwater Lionfish are carnivores, a predator. Feeding can be a problem because in the wild, they feed on live crustaceans and fish. This fish relies on camouflage and stealth to get a meal so if their prey doesn’t swim directly in front of them, they may not get enough to eat. Using aquarium tongs or forceps to hold a small fish, a piece of shrimp, or an earthworm in front of their mouth is a good way to make sure that yours is getting enough to eat. It may take awhile to get one to feed so be patient.
   This species is best suited for a saltwater or brackish water tank containing tank mates that are too large to fit into its cavernous mouth. It can only be kept in fresh water for a short time, but it cannot be permanently maintained in freshwater as it will not live for long. Acclimate them to a brackish tank slowly, over a period of about a week. A heavy brackish water of 2.5 % to 3% salinity (density 1.020-1.024) is suggested.
   Provide a minimum tank size of 40 gallons or more for a juvenile. Larger fish will need much more room with 100 gallons or more being best. A gravel bottom along with rock caves to provide some hiding cover is recommended to keep one in good condition.

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:
  The Freshwater Lionfish will spend all of it time on the bottom.

Acceptable Water Conditions:
   Temp: 72 - 82° F (22 - 28° C)
   Ph: 7.8 to 8.5

Social Behaviors:
   This fish is not at all aggressive but since it is a predator with a very large mouth, considerable care is needed when choosing tank mates. They will stay secluded under cover during the day, though may venture out at night.

Sexual Differences:
   Unknown.

Breeding/Reproduction:
  The Freshwater Lionfish has not been bred in an aquarium.

Availability:
   The Freshwater Lionfish is commonly available. They are also called the Three-spined Frogfish, Freshwater Toadfish, Freshwater Frogfish, and Freshwater Stonefish.

Author: Ken Childs
Additional Information: Clarice Brough, CFS

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Some of the coolest comments:
The Freshwater Lionfish is a very capable fish as I've come to find. They feed on anything that moves plus sinking pellets and frozen meat. Mines is housed with two Parachromis Dovii (A male and Female pair) that are between 5"-6.5 inches long. The fabled grunting that is associated with this fish is all too true and can be very loud if you experience it. They are very shy to non-inhabitants of their tank but to another fish swimming by, they will advance in aggression even to the King and Queen of the Cichlids. Red-Rosey's, Small Gold Fish, Live Tube-effects worms... these are all exceptable foods. I find that the frozen foods should be a staple especially with the use of a feeder stick as this guy gives a good fight! I've never been stung or bitten by this fish because it's chosen to flee from me rather than to attack me, and because I am weary of this fabled sting it pocesses like that of a wasp. I hate wasps. B. Ames 2008-10-12

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