Common name: lionfish
General information
The Devil Firefish, also known as the Common Lionfish, is a striking species recognized for its bold red, white, and black bands, as well as its expansive pectoral fins and venomous spiky dorsal fins. Native to the Indian Ocean, including the Red Sea and East Africa, Pterois miles has become an invasive species in other parts of the world, such as the Caribbean Sea and the Western Atlantic.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 200 liter (53 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 7.8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 38 cm (1′3″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Handle with care due to venomous spines.
- Diet
- Carnivore Prefers live foods but can adapt to frozen.
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept singly.
- Reefsafe
- No May prey on small fish and inverts.
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Aggressive, especially during feeding.
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderScorpionfishesScorpaeniformes
- FamilyScorpionfishesScorpaenidae
- GenusLionfishPterois
- SpecieslionfishPterois miles (Bennett, 1828)
- SynonymsBrachirus miles (Bennett, 1828)Pterois muricata Cuvier, 1829Scorpaena miles Bennett, 1828
Care
In the aquarium, the Devil Firefish requires a large tank with plenty of hiding places and room to swim. They are carnivorous and prefer a diet of live or frozen foods like shrimp and small fish. Caution is advised when handling this species due to its venomous spines, which can cause painful stings.
Reproduction
Breeding of Pterois miles in captivity is less common, but they are known to be egg scatterers in the wild. The female releases eggs into the water column, which are then fertilized by the male. The floating eggs will hatch into planktonic larvae after about 36 hours.
Habitat
Devil Firefish are typically found in coral reef environments, often hiding in crevices during the day and hunting at night. They can be found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 50 meters deep.