Common name: radial firefish; clearfin turkeyfish

Scientific name: Pterois radiata Cuvier, 1829
Close-up view of a Clearfin Lionfish (Pterois radiata)Clearfin lionfish, Pterois radiata a tropical fish under the sea
Strahlen Rotfeuerfisch (Pterois radiata)Radial firefish or clearfin turkeyfish, clearfin lionfish (Pterois radiata) undersea, Red Sea, Egypt, Sharm El Sheikh, Nabq Bay

General information

The Radiata Lionfish, scientifically known as Pterois radiata, is a striking species recognized for its distinctive black and white striped pattern and elongated fin rays. It is a member of the Scorpaenidae family, which is known for its venomous spines. This species is less commonly seen in the aquarium trade compared to its relatives, the Volitans Lionfish (@species:pterois-volitans) and the Dwarf Lionfish (@species:pterois-miles), but it is prized by hobbyists for its unique appearance and relatively smaller size.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
300 liter (79 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.023 to 1.026
Temperature
24 to 26 °C (75 to 79 °F)
Acidity
pH 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; can adapt to frozen.
Social
Solo Territorial, best kept alone.
Reefsafe
No May prey on small fish and inverts.
Aggression
Semi aggresive Aggressive, especially when feeding.
Captive bred
No
Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
ExtinctThreatenedLeastConcern

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Scorpionfishes
    Scorpaeniformes
  5. Family
    Scorpionfishes
    Scorpaenidae
  6. Genus
    Lionfish
    Pterois
  7. Species
    radial firefish; clearfin turkeyfish
    Pterois radiata Cuvier, 1829
  8. Synonyms
    Pterois cincta Rüppell, 1838
    Pteropterus radiata (Cuvier, 1829)

Care

Radiata Lionfish require a spacious tank with plenty of hiding places and room to swim. They are carnivorous and prefer a diet of live or frozen foods such as shrimp, fish, and squid. It's important to handle them with care due to their venomous spines, which can deliver a painful sting. These lionfish are generally hardy and adapt well to life in captivity if provided with the right water conditions and a varied diet.

Reproduction

In the wild, Radiata Lionfish are solitary creatures and come together only to breed. Breeding in captivity is rare, but with the right conditions, it is possible. They are oviparous, with females releasing eggs into the water column to be fertilized by the male. The eggs are then left to drift until hatching.

Habitat

Pterois radiata is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the western Pacific Ocean. They inhabit coral reefs and lagoons, often hiding in crevices and overhangs during the day. They are nocturnal hunters and can be found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 30 meters.