Saltwater
Red lionfish
Pterois volitans
Scorpaenidae, Pteroinae
Facts
Characteristics
- Length
- Up to 45.7 cm
- Body shape
- Streamlined
Care
- Group
- Missing
- Smallest aquarium
- 2,099 liters
- Diet
- Missing
Know what is missing? Suggest it in the app.
Behavior
Water values
Smallest tank
Range
NativeIntroduced
Lives wild in American Samoa, Australia, Cambodia, China, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Cook Islands, Fiji, and 26 more countries.
Introduced to Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, Brazil, Cayman Islands, Colombia, Costa Rica, and 14 more countries.
Videos
Pterois volitans
MikoljiFeb 12, 2010
More about the species
Description
Inhabit lagoon and seaward reefs from turbid inshore areas to depths of 50 m. Often solitary, they hide in unexposed places at daytime often with head down and practically immobile. Pelagic juveniles expatriate over great distances and the reason for their broad geographical range. Hunt small fishes, shrimps, and crabs at night, using its widespread pectorals trapping prey into a corner, stunning it and then swallowing it in one sweep. Dorsal spines are venomous; the sting can be treated by heating the afflicted part and application of corticoids. A popular table fish.
Other names
Other scientific names
- Gasterosteus volitans
- Pterois lunulata
In other languages
- Rød dragefisk
- Drakfisk
- Almindelig dragefisk
- Siipisimppu
- Butterfly cod, Common lionfish, Featherfins, Fire fish, Lion fish, Lionfish, Ornate butterfly-cod, Peacock lionfish, Red firefish, Scorpion volitans, Scorpion-cod, Scorpionfish, Turkey fish, Turkeyfish, Zebrafish
Articles
All articles
Fish that get along4 min read
Temperament, fin nippers, fish that eat other fish, and fish that need the same water. And what the Harmony mark in the app means.
Fin rot and columnaris4 min read
Bacteria that attack the fins, mouth and skin, nearly always after poor water. When water changes are enough, and when more is needed.
How to add new fish4 min read
From the store to the tank: how to get the fish used to your water, why you should add only a few at a time, and what to watch for in the first few days.
Quarantine for new fish3 min read
Why new fish should live in a tank of their own for a few weeks before they move in, what you need, and what to look for.