The Fish Net Lionfish Page

Volitan Lionfish

The Volitan Lionfish (Pterois volitans) is one of the most popular and well known aquarium scorpionfish. It has a white body with reddish-brown or

black vertical stripes. Color is highly variable from specimen to specimen. The spiny rays of the fins are very long and flowing. The dorsal fin has seven rigid, venomous spines. Although native to the Indo-Pacific, this species has become an establish and destructive invasive species in the Caribbean, threatening local fish populations.

They will do perfectly fine with other fish of similar size and can be a very peaceful community fish when kept with the correct tankmates. However, when kept with fish that have a body size of larger than of about ½ of the lionfish’s body size; it will only be a matter of time before the volitan lionfish will try to eat it due to their high prey drive.

A 120 gallon aquarium (24 inches wide) would be the minimum size for the volitan lionfish based on its potential fully grown size. They need swimming space both around rocks and out in the open. They do best when provided shelf like structures which they can hang up-side from as well as cave structures they can sit in.

These predators are naturally carnivores. As the volitan lionfish is a predator, they are used to eating live fish that are anywhere about ½ their body size or less. It can be difficult to get them to switch to eating meaty frozen foods and/or pellets for marine carnivores.