Common name: Luna lion fish
General information
The Luna Lionfish, scientifically known as Pterois lunulata, is a striking species recognized for its bold red, white, and black banding and expansive, fan-like pectoral fins. This species is part of the Scorpaenidae family, which is known for its venomous spines that can deliver a painful sting. Luna Lionfish are predatory fish and can be a fascinating addition to a larger marine aquarium due to their unique appearance and behaviors.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 200 liter (53 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 7.8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 38 cm (1′3″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Venomous spines; handle with care
- Diet
- Carnivore Prefers live foods; can adapt to frozen
- Social
- Solo Territorial; best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May eat smaller fish and inverts
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Aggressive towards smaller fish
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderScorpionfishesScorpaeniformes
- FamilyScorpionfishScorpaenidae
- GenusLionfishPterois
- SpeciesLuna lion fishPterois lunulata Temminck & Schlegel, 1843
Care
Luna 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 maintaining the aquarium, as their venomous spines can pose a risk to aquarists. It's important to provide a varied diet to ensure proper nutrition and to maintain high water quality to keep these fish healthy.
Reproduction
In the wild, Luna Lionfish are solitary and come together only to breed. Breeding in captivity is rare, but with the right conditions, it is possible. They engage in a courtship dance, and the female releases eggs into the water column, which are then fertilized by the male. The eggs are pelagic, and the larvae will drift in the water column before settling.
Habitat
Pterois lunulata is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the western Pacific Ocean to the eastern coast of Africa. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky crevices, typically at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 50 meters. They are nocturnal hunters, using their large pectoral fins to corner prey or to startle and capture it.