Saltwater Aquarium Lionfish (Scorpaenidae)

Lionfish are not only stunning to look at, but they can also constitute a real danger for an aquarist: some of their spiny spokes emit a venom similar to that of certain snakes. They are placid and majestic fish, easy to keep in an aquarium of at least 300 liters.

The tank must be furnished with elaborate and convoluted decor, complete with grottoes and overhangs: lionfish swim through them flat or at an angle. Their large mouth is equal to their voracity: they devour live prey, often small fish (take care with their roommates!). Nevertheless, these remain amongst the most deirable subjects for the amateur aquarist and repay without any doubt any amount of trouble.

What To Do If You Are Stung
Consult a doctor immediately. The very intense pain increases for 20 minutes, reaches a peak, and gradually subsides over a period of 4-24 hours. Bleed the wound and immerse it in the hottest water possible to partially inhibit the action of the venom. Obviously, the best idea is to avoid getting stung; take care when putting your hand into the tank and wear protective gloves that are water-impermeable.

Volitan Lionfish (Pterois Volitans)
The volitan lionfish is the one most often found in the aquarium trade. It gets accustomed to dead foodstuffs. The membrane linking the spokes of the pectoral fins runs to the rear end of their body, which is not the case with the other species of the Pterois genus, where the rear is unencumbered. Size: 35 cm

Antenna Lionfish (Pterois Ntennata)
The antenna lionfish has four dark bands on its head. A close relative, P. sphex, has less intense coloring. The latter is hard to find in Europe, but is frequently imported into the United States. Size: 20 cm.

Radiata Lionfish (Pterois Radiata)
Two white horizontal bands on the caudal peduncle distinguish the radiata lionfish from the other species. Easy to keep, it gets used to eating dead prey. Size: 25 cm.

Dwarf Lionfish
(Dendrochirus Zebra)
The dwarf lionfish does not grow longer than 15 cm, in contrast to the Pterois. It is also distinguished by the absence of a membrane between the spokes of the pectoral fins. Size: 15 cm.