A genus of marine fish in the scorpionfish family, known by many names Lionfish, firefish , butterfly cod, turkeyfish. They are characterised by a striking spiny dorsal fin and spreading, wing-like pectoral fins. Distinctive colouration, usually with red-white, cream or black stripes, is characteristic of Lionfish. It is a predatory fish, which can be seen by setting its eyes closer to the centre and front of its head.
Lionfish are an invasive species, native to the southern Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean, but have spread rapidly into the North Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Where Lionfish are found, a decrease in the density of other fish populations has been noticed. They inhabit the rocky bottom of shallow waters, usually around coral reefs. They lead a nocturnal lifestyle. Their main food is crustaceans, molluscs and smaller fish, but they may also consume juveniles of their own species.
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In most species, the spines are connected to venom glands that serve a defensive purpose. Being poked or injured by such a spike can also be dangerous to humans. The poison in the thorn causes severe and prolonged ‘fiery’ pain and, if an allergic reaction occurs, can even cause the death of the ‘stung’ person. First aid consists of gently removing the spike from the wound, washing the area with soap and water and immersing the wound in as warm water as possible, and it is recommended to get professional medical help as soon as possible.
If you ever wish to have a Lionfish in your marine aquarium you should prepare accordingly and be aware of the risks and needs that come with owning this fish.
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Lionfish are large fish, and can grow up to 47 cm in length. However, in captivity it rarely reaches this size. The aquarium in which you intend to keep the Lionfish must be large enough, it is best to consult the size of the aquarium at the shop where you buy the Lionfish, some smaller species only need a 300–500L tank, but most need more space and the tank should hold at least 800L. The fish also need to be provided with plenty of rock with numerous hiding places. Lionfish can be accustomed to eating frozen shrimp and krill, but this takes time. The best food for it is live shrimps and other crustaceans, and it should also be kept in mind that the Lionfish can feed on smaller fish in the aquarium against our will.
If we would like to keep a Lionfish with other fish, they must be of its size or larger, and preferably also resistant to the venom in the spines. Safe species in this situation are:
– Rock Beauty Angelfish
Most of the body of the adult is black, only the head and the area just behind it and the caudal fin are bright yellow, in younger individuals the predominant colour is yellow with a large black tail spot. Other fish that can do well in an aquarium with Lionfish are:
– Threadfin Butterflyfish
– Anglerfish
– Panther Grouper
– Clown Triggerfish
– Foxface Rabbitfish
– Snowflake Moray Eel
– Harlequin Tuskfish
– Maroon Clownfish
– Blue Tang
Lionfish won’t eat corals, but can accidentally cause damage to them…. It is also a fish that consumes a lot, so it excretes just as much, which can cause elevated ammonia, nitrites and nitrates in the tank.
The optimum tank water temperature for this fish should be between 23C-25C and the salinity between 1.020 and 1.026. Keep the KH between 8 and 12 and the pH between 8.1-8.4.
Most common species kept in marine aquariums:
– Pterois volitans (Red lionfish)
Adults can reach up to 47 cm in length, making it one of the largest wingfish species. It has spines along with venom glands and its sting is very painful and can be dangerous to humans. It feeds mainly on crustaceans but also smaller fish.
– Pterois radiata
Reaches up to 24 cm in length, usually 20 cm. Feeds on crustaceans. It has spines with venom. In the wild it lives in shallow waters up to 30 m, around coral reefs . It is a common fish in Indo-Pacific waters.
– Pterois antennata
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A fish of about 20 cm in length. Its most distinctive features are its feather-like dorsal fins, which are devoid of connective tissue, giving them a spiky appearance, and two ‘horns’ located above the eyes. The spines have venom, and stinging with them is very painful. In the wild, they live around coral reefs at a maximum depth of 50m below the water surface.