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Volitans LionfishBlack Lionfish ~ Red FirefishFamily: Scorpaenidae Pterois volitansPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy L. PrakashLatest Reader Comment - See More Can I feed fresh water feeders to a lion fish? phantom The Volitans Lionfish, Black Lionfish, or Red Firefish are so lazy that many times people think they are dead when they are merely resting upside down!Volitans Lionfish Contents This is the most commonly seen (and kept) Lionfish. The Volitans Lionfish, Black Lionfish, or Red Firefish is also the largest lionfish, at about 16 inches for a full adult length. The Red Lionfish is often sold as P. volitans but is actually Pterois lunulata. Unlike the Black Lionfish (pictured above), the Red Lionfish does not have the antennae above the eyebrows. The dorsal spines of this fish are venomous; the sting can be treated by heating the afflicted part and application of corticoids. If the sting is not severe, running hot water over the effected area for 15 minutes or more will help. We have known two people to get stung by an aquarium specimen, the symptoms lasted for a few days. Our motto is "Don't pet the fish"! For more Information on keeping marine fish see: |
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Maintenance difficulty: The Volitans Lionfish, Black Lionfish, or Red Firefish 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 geographic location: Volitans Lionfish, Black Lionfish, or Red Firefish are found in the Pacific Ocean: Cocos-Keeling Islands and Western Australia (Ref. 27362) in the eastern Indian Ocean to the Marquesas and Oeno (Pitcairn group), north to southern Japan and southern Korea, south to Lord Howe Island, northern New Zealand, and the Austral Islands. Replaced by the very similar Pterois miles from the Red Sea to Sumatra. They inhabit lagoon and seaward reefs from turbid inshore areas to depths of 50 meters.
Foods: The lionfish will hide in unexposed places during the daytime often with the head down and practically immobile. Pelagic juveniles expatriate over great distances which is the reason for their broad geographical range. In the wild this fish hunts small fishes, shrimps, and crabs at night, using its widespread pectorals to trap prey into a corner, stun it and then swallow it in one sweep.
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: Volitans Lionfish, Black Lionfish, or Red Firefish adults can grow to 40 cm (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.
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