Red lionfish (Pterois volitans)

Scientific name: Pterois volitans Linnaeus, 1758

Red lionfish (Pterois volitans)

The Red lionfish (Pterois volitans) is a marine fish of the family Scorpaenidae that grows to about 35.6 cm (14 in). It is moderate to keep and semi-aggressive and needs a tank of at least 285 L (75 US gal), water at 23.9–26.1°C (75–79°F) and a pH of 8.1–8.4. Native range: Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Red lionfish care at a glance

Care level
Moderate
Temperament
Semi-aggressive
Adult size
35.6 cm (14 in)
Minimum tank
285 L (75 US gal)
Temperature
23.9–26.1°C (75–79°F)
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
8–12 dGH (143–214 ppm)
Diet
Carnivore. Accepts live foods.

Biology

Inhabit lagoon and seaward reefs from turbid inshore areas to depths of 50 m. Often solitary, they hide in unexposed places at daytime often with head down and practically immobile. Pelagic juveniles expatriate over great distances and the reason for their broad geographical range. Hunt small fishes, shrimps, and crabs at night, using its widespread pectorals trapping prey into a corner, stunning it and then swallowing it in one sweep. Dorsal spines are venomous; the sting can be treated by heating the afflicted part and application of corticoids. A popular table fish.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Pterois volitans
Family
Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes or rockfishes)
Order
Scorpaeniformes (Scorpionfishes and Flatheads)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
38.0
Depth range
2–55 m (7–180 ft)
Environment
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 55 m
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Pacific Ocean: Cocos-Keeling Islands and Western Australia 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.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Venomous
Uses
Fisheries: commercial; aquarium: commercial
Resilience
Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

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Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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