Blackfoot Firefish

Parapterois Lionfish should be added to aquariums with plenty of rockwork, caves, cracks, crevices and ledges for hiding. Provide a sandy, silty, rubble substrate preferrably with Sea Grasses. Lionfish are highly secretive, bottom dwelling fish that can camouflage themselves while waiting for prey to pass by. Lionfish are also slow moving fish requiring low water flow. Most Lionfish are poisonous care should be taken when placing hands in the aquarium. Provide a diet rich in meaty foods 3 to 4 times a week as they have a slow metabolism. When first acclimated they may not accept prepared foods try feeding live enriched adult Brine, Glass/Grass Shrimp or small crabs. Only one Lionfish should be added to an aquarium. They should be housed with other peaceful fish that are to large to become prey.

Blackfoot Firefish is also commonly known as the Bluefin Lionfish. They are not commonly seen in the aquarium trade. They have a slender body with a pointed head and a long, thin, black-tipped tail. They are mostly brownish-red in color, with small, black spots on their body and fins. Blackfoot Firefish have venomous spines, which can cause painful stings if handled improperly. They can grow up to 8 inches in length.

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 30 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH