Spotfin Lionfish

(Pterois antennata)

Pterois Lionfish should be added to well established aquariums with plenty of rock work, caves, crevices and overhangs for hiding. Lionfish are not reef safe and will hunt small fish, crustaceans, and anything else they can fit in their mouth. They are hardy, undemanding and readily take meaty and live foods. They have low metabolisms and should only be fed two to three times per week. Care will need to be taken when feeding and cleaning the aquarium as Lionfish have venomous dorsal spines. They are capable of leaping forward to inject the venom when threatenedd. Lionfish are nocturnal and generally solitary in the wild. House with tank mates that will not nip at their fins.

Spotfin Lionfish are also sometimes known as the Antennata or Ragged Finned Lionfish. Commonly seen in the aquarium trade. Spotfin Lionfish are a beautiful red to brown mottled color. Spotfin Lionfish can grow to almost 8".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 50 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

  • Care: CareModerateModerate CareDifficultDifficult
  • Behavior: BehaviorAgressiveAgressive
  • Diet: DietLive FoodLive Food DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food
  • Habitat: HabitatReefReef
  • Light: LightMediumMedium LightHighHigh