Common name: Oblique-banded rockcod
General information
The Radiata Lionfish, scientifically known as Epinephelus radiatus, is a striking species known for its distinctive striped appearance and fan-like pectoral fins. This species is a member of the family Scorpaenidae, which includes other lionfish and scorpionfish. The Radiata Lionfish is not as common in the aquarium trade as its relatives, the Red Lionfish (Pterois volitans) and the Dwarf Lionfish (Dendrochirus brachypterus), but it is prized for its unique look and behavior.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 300 liter (79 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 28 °C (72 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 50 cm (1′8″)
- Care level
- Moderate to difficult Sensitive to water quality.
- Diet
- Carnivore Prefers live or frozen foods.
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone.
- Reefsafe
- No May eat smaller fish/inverts.
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be territorial.
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusGrouperEpinephelus
- SpeciesOblique-banded rockcodEpinephelus radiatus (Day, 1868)
- SynonymsEpinephelus doederleinii Franz, 1910Epinephelus doderleinii Franz, 1910Epinephelus radians (Day, 1868)Epinephelus radiates (Day, 1868)Epinephilus radiatus (Day, 1868)Serranus radiatus Day, 1868
Care
Radiata Lionfish require a spacious aquarium with plenty of hiding places to feel secure. They are carnivorous and prefer a diet of live or frozen foods such as shrimp, fish, and squid. Care should be taken when feeding, as their venomous spines can deliver a painful sting. It is essential to maintain high water quality and stable parameters to keep these fish healthy.
Reproduction
In the wild, Radiata Lionfish are solitary and come together only to breed. Breeding in captivity is rare and challenging. They are known to release eggs and sperm into the water column, where fertilization occurs externally. The larvae are planktonic and drift with the currents until they settle.
Habitat
The Radiata Lionfish is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the western Pacific. They inhabit reef environments, often hiding in crevices or under ledges during the day and becoming more active at night. They can be found at depths ranging from shallow waters to over 30 meters deep.