TankBud

Radiata lionfish

Pterois radiata

Also known as Whitefin Lionfish, Clearfin Lionfish, Radial Firefish, Tailbar Lionfish

SaltwaterFish

Radiata lionfish (Pterois radiata)
The High Fin Sperm Whale · CC BY-SA 3.0

Care at a glance

Temperature
72–79°F
22–26°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Adult size
9.4 in
24 cm
Minimum tank
70 gal
265 L
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Middle
Diet
Carnivore
Difficulty
Difficult
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Rare
Reef safe
Not reef safe
Family
Scorpaenidae
Origin
Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and Sodwana Bay in South Africa to the Society Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to New Caledonia

Overview

The Radiata lionfish is a calm ambush predator for a saltwater tank with no small fish or shrimp. It is a lionfish for experienced keepers.

Did you know

The Radiata lionfish's pectoral and tail fins carry bold white bands, not the dark spotting of many other Pterois lionfish. Those bands are where its other names, clearfin lionfish and whitefin lionfish, come from.

Caring for the Radiata lionfish

The Radiata lionfish needs a well-established tank of at least 70 gal (265 L), with plenty of caves and ledges. It retreats into them during the day. Keep the water at 72 to 79°F (22 to 26°C) and a pH of 8.1 to 8.4.

It has a reputation as the most stubborn lionfish to wean off live food. It is more nocturnal and shier than the volitans or the dwarf lionfish species. Weaning it takes considerably longer, and more patience with live feeder shrimp, before it reliably accepts fresh or frozen foods. This species suits a keeper who has weaned a lionfish before.

It is not a fin-nipper, but anything small enough to fit in its mouth is at real risk, especially shrimp and small fish. Stock only robust tank mates of a suitable size. It will not touch coral, but it is not reef safe for other livestock.

Its dorsal spines are venomous, and a sting is far worse than a bee sting. Never handle it bare-handed. Treat any sting with hot water right away, and get medical attention.

Good to know

Pterois radiata is a scorpionfish in the family Scorpaenidae. It is smaller and more slender than the volitans lionfish. A horizontal white stripe runs along its lower body, and its pectoral and dorsal fins have elongated rays.

In the wild

The Radiata lionfish lives on coral reefs across the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and Sodwana Bay in South Africa to the Society Islands. Its range runs north to the Ryukyu Islands and south to New Caledonia. It stays in shallow water, usually from about 1 to 30 meters, tucked into caves, overhangs and reef crevices by day. It is a nocturnal hunter that feeds almost entirely on small crabs and shrimp. Its larger relatives take a broader diet of fish and crustaceans.

Common questions

What size tank does a Radiata lionfish need?

A Radiata lionfish needs at least 70 gal (265 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does a Radiata lionfish need?

A Radiata lionfish is comfortable at 72–79°F (22–26°C) with a pH of 8.1–8.4.

What does a Radiata lionfish eat?

A Radiata lionfish starts on live feeder shrimp. With a lot of patience, it learns to reliably accept fresh or frozen foods.

How big does a Radiata lionfish get?

An adult Radiata lionfish reaches about 9.4 in (24 cm).

Related species