Common name: lionfish

General information

The Red Lionfish, scientifically known as Pterois volitans, is a striking species well-known for its bold red and white zebra-like striping and an array of venomous spines. Native to the Indo-Pacific region, this species has become an invasive problem in the Western Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea due to its voracious appetite and lack of natural predators in these areas.

Lionfish are nocturnal hunters, preying on small fish and invertebrates. Their venomous spines are used primarily for defense and can deliver a painful sting to humans, making careful handling imperative.

Care

In the aquarium, Red Lionfish require a large tank with plenty of hiding places and room to swim. They are generally hardy and can adapt to a captive diet, but live or frozen foods such as shrimp and small fish are preferred to maintain their health and coloration. It's important to keep them with tankmates that are too large to be considered prey, as they can and will eat smaller fish and invertebrates.

Reproduction

Breeding Red Lionfish in captivity is not common, but they are known to be prolific breeders. In the wild, females release thousands of eggs that are fertilized by the male in open water. The eggs are then left to drift with the currents until hatching.

Habitat

Pterois volitans is typically found in coral reefs, rocky crevices, and lagoons. They prefer to shelter during the day and hunt at night. Their natural range extends from the Western Pacific to the Indian Ocean, but as mentioned, they have spread to other regions as well.