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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
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

This is a calm, ambush-style predator toward tankmates rather than a fin-nipper, but anything small enough to fit in its mouth, especially shrimp and small fish, is at genuine risk, so stock only appropriately sized, robust tankmates. It is not reef safe for other livestock even though it will not touch coral. It has a reputation as the most stubborn lionfish to wean off live food: it is more nocturnal and shier than volitans or the dwarf species, and it can take considerably longer and more patience with live feeder shrimp before it reliably accepts fresh or frozen foods, so this species suits a keeper who has weaned a lionfish before. It carries venomous dorsal spines capable of a sting well beyond a bee sting, so never handle it bare-handed, treat any sting with hot water right away, and get medical attention.

In the wild

Lives on coral reefs across the Indo-Pacific, usually in shallow water from about 1 to 30 meters, tucked into caves, overhangs, and reef crevices by day. It is a nocturnal hunter that feeds almost exclusively on small crabs and shrimp after dark. In the tank it wants a well-established aquarium with plenty of caves and ledges to retreat into during the day.

Good to know

Pterois radiata is a scorpionfish in the family Scorpaenidae, smaller and more slender than the volitans lionfish at around 24 cm, with a horizontal white stripe along its lower body and boldly white-banded, elongated rays on its pectoral and dorsal fins. It feeds almost exclusively on small crustaceans rather than the broader fish-and-crustacean diet of its larger relatives.

Did you know

Its pectoral and tail fins carry bold white bands rather than the dark spotting seen on many other Pterois lionfish, which is where the alternate names clearfin and whitefin lionfish come from.

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.

How big does a Radiata lionfish get?

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

Related species