TankBud

Volitans lionfish

Pterois volitans

Also known as Red Lionfish, Turkey Fish, Butterfly Cod

SaltwaterFish

Volitans lionfish (Pterois volitans)
Photo by Jens Petersen, Edited by User:Olegiwit (cloned in part of fins) and Fir0002 (removed spots and noise) · CC BY 2.5

Care at a glance

Temperature
72–79°F
22–26°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Adult size
15 in
38 cm
Minimum tank
119 gal
450 L
Temperament
Aggressive
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Middle
Diet
Carnivore
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Very common
Reef safe
Not reef safe
Family
Scorpaenidae
Origin
Indo-Pacific, from the Cocos-Keeling Islands and Western Australia across to the Marquesas, north to southern Japan and Korea, south to Lord Howe Island and New Zealand

Overview

The Volitans lionfish is a big predator for a large fish-only saltwater tank. It suits a keeper with a little experience.

Did you know

The Volitans lionfish is behind one of the fastest marine fish invasions on record, likely begun by a handful of aquarium releases. First documented off the Florida coast in 1985, it was established in the Bahamas by 2004. It has since spread across the western Atlantic, the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico, where it has almost no natural predators.

Caring for the Volitans lionfish

Give the Volitans lionfish a large tank of at least 119 gal (450 L), with open water to patrol. Add enough rockwork to give it a shaded resting spot during the day. Keep the water at 72 to 79°F (22 to 26°C) and a pH of 8.1 to 8.4.

Freshly wild-caught fish usually need live feeder shrimp or feeder fish to start eating. Most switch to fresh or frozen silversides, shrimp and squid within a few weeks of patient target feeding.

The Volitans lionfish is an aggressive predator, though not a fin-nipper. Any fish or shrimp small enough to fit in its wide mouth is at real risk. That includes tank mates added long after it has settled in. Stock only robust fish of a suitable size, and skip shrimp altogether.

It leaves coral and rock alone, but it is kept fish-only because of its appetite. Handle it with real caution, because its spines are venomous and the sting is far more painful than a bee sting. Never net or touch one bare-handed, treat any sting with hot water right away, and seek medical care. Never release it, or any aquarium fish, into the wild.

Good to know

Pterois volitans is a scorpionfish in the family Scorpaenidae and one of the larger lionfish species. Its venom glands run along grooves in the dorsal, pelvic and anal spines. The venom exists purely for defense against predators, not for subduing prey.

In the wild

The Volitans lionfish ranges across the Indo-Pacific, from the Cocos-Keeling Islands and Western Australia to the Marquesas. Its range runs north to southern Japan and Korea, and south to Lord Howe Island and New Zealand. It lives around coral reefs, rocky drop-offs and harbor structures, from about 2 to 55 meters deep. By day it hovers almost motionless near ledges and overhangs, then it becomes active around dusk. It spreads its huge, fan-like pectoral fins to corner small fish and crustaceans against rock or open sand. Then it swallows the prey whole in a single fast strike.

Common questions

What size tank does a Volitans lionfish need?

A Volitans lionfish needs at least 119 gal (450 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does a Volitans lionfish need?

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

What does a Volitans lionfish eat?

A Volitans lionfish eats fresh or frozen silversides, shrimp and squid once it is weaned. Wild-caught fish usually need live feeder shrimp or feeder fish to start eating.

How big does a Volitans lionfish get?

An adult Volitans lionfish reaches about 15 in (38 cm).

Related species