Common name: Blackfoot Lionfish
General information
The Blackfoot Firefish, Parapterois heterura, is a species of lionfish known for its striking appearance and venomous spines. It is a relatively small member of the Scorpaenidae family, reaching up to 20 cm in length. The body is predominantly brown or reddish with dark vertical stripes, and its pectoral fins are wide and fan-like, featuring a unique 'fire-like' pattern that gives the fish its common name.
In the wild, P. heterura is a solitary and nocturnal predator, feeding on small fish and crustaceans. Its venomous spines are used defensively to deter predators, and hobbyists should handle this species with care to avoid painful stings.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 200 liter (53 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 25 cm (10″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Sensitive to water quality.
- Diet
- Carnivore Prefers live or frozen foods.
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone.
- Reefsafe
- No May eat small fish/inverts.
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be aggressive to tankmates.
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderScorpionfishesScorpaeniformes
- FamilyScorpionfishScorpaenidae
- GenusFeatherfin ScorpionfishParapterois
- SpeciesBlackfoot LionfishParapterois heterura (Bleeker, 1856)
- SynonymsPterois heterurus Bleeker, 1856Pterois natalensis von Bonde, 1923Pterois nigripinnis Gilchrist, 1904
Care
Blackfoot Firefish require a well-established aquarium with plenty of hiding places and a stable environment. They are not considered reef-safe as they may prey on small fish and invertebrates. A varied diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and small fish is essential for their health. Due to their venomous nature, caution is advised during tank maintenance and when introducing new tank mates.
Reproduction
Reproduction of P. heterura in home aquariums is rare. In the wild, they are oviparous, with females releasing eggs that are then fertilized by the male. The eggs are pelagic, drifting in the water column until hatching.
Habitat
Blackfoot Firefish are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa, and from the Ryukyu Islands to New Caledonia and the Austral Islands. They prefer reef environments and are typically found at depths ranging from 1 to 60 meters.