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Antennata Lionfish

Ragged-finned Firefish ~ Spotfin Lionfish Family: Scorpaenidae

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Pterois antennata Photo © Animal-World: Courtesy David Brough

   The Antennata Lionfish, Ragged-finned Firefish, or Spotfin Lionfish is distinguished for it's strikingly different pectoral fin rays, and it's large black and white "antennae"! A good community fish as long as it's companions are too big to eat.

   The main characteristic of the Antennata Lionfish, Ragged-finned Firefish, or Spotfin Lionfish is the lack of connecting tissue in between the spines of the fin rays. The pectoral fins are connected only a short ways out from the body while the dorsal fins are not connected at all.

   They do have venomous spines, our motto is "Don't pet the fish"!

For more Information on keeping marine fish see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Marine Aquarium

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.

Habitat: Natural geographic location:
      Antennata Lionfish, Ragged-finned Firefish, or Spotfin Lionfish are found in the Indo-Pacific: East Africa to Marquesan and Mangaréva islands, north to southern Japan, south to Queensland, Australia and Kermadec (Ref. 8879) and Austral islands. Occurs in lagoon and seaward reefs.

Foods:
   This fish hides in crevices under rocks and coral formations during the day and hunts at night. Typically they hunt with head towards the safety of their hide-out or a nearby narrow passage. They feed on shrimps and crabs in the wild. In the aquarium they can be fed meaty foods and small fishes.

Social Behaviors:
   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:
   See general breeding techniques in the Breeding Marine Fish page.

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:
   Antennata Lionfish, Ragged-finned Firefish, or Spotfin Lionfish adults can grow to 20 cm (8 inches).

Minimum Tank Length/Size:
   A minimum 40 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 readily available.

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Latest Comments
This is a simply stunning fish with exquisite colours. My fish has settled in perfectly with the rest of my fish and has not bothered any of them. The smallest is a firefish and I also have a cleaner shrimp which even tries to 'clean' the lionfish. It even feeds on algae pellets which I originally bought for the tangs. My advice is go and buy one! ADRIAN HOWE 2006-01-08
Some of the coolest comments:
The spotfin lionfish is a worthy addition to any community home aquaria as long as a degree of care is taken with regard to the size of his tankmates and his venomous spines. My fish is well adapted and fed from the second day of introduction. He readily accepts cockles and small lancefish and when he bothers to free swim instead of resting, he is a spectacular site. Andy Starr 2004-07-15
Comments Dr Jungle REALLY Likes to Hear!
I have to do a science project, and this was the only website that helped!! THANK YOU SO MUCH! ~Leana~ 2007-09-04

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Author: David Brough. CFS.