What is its maximum size?
Up to approximately 38–45 cm in length.
–Where is its origin and where is it exported from?
The Volitans Lionfish originates from the Indo-Pacific, including the western Pacific Ocean and parts of the eastern Indian Ocean. It is exported for the aquarium trade from countries within its native range, including Indonesia and the Philippines.
Is it reef compatible?
With caution. It is generally safe with corals but will eat small fish, ornamental shrimp and crabs. It is best suited to a fish-only aquarium or a carefully planned reef tank without vulnerable fish and invertebrates.
What should I feed it?
Feed a varied carnivorous diet consisting of frozen or fresh marine foods such as prawns, shrimp, krill, squid, mussels and small pieces of marine fish. Vitamin-enriched foods can help maintain good health. Avoid relying on freshwater feeder fish such as goldfish, as they are not nutritionally suitable as a regular diet.
How many can I keep?
Best kept on its own in most home aquariums. Multiple Volitans Lionfish can sometimes be kept together in a sufficiently large aquarium, provided they are similar in size and introduced carefully. Avoid mixing different lionfish species unless you have suitable space and experience.
How compatible is it with other fish?
Generally peaceful towards fish that are too large to be swallowed, but it is a predatory species and will eat smaller fish. Suitable tankmates include larger, robust marine fish with compatible temperaments. Avoid small fish, ornamental shrimp and crabs. Its dorsal and other fin spines are venomous, so handle with extreme care.
Water parameters
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Temperature: 23–28°C
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pH: 8.1–8.4
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Specific gravity: 1.020–1.025
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Ammonia and nitrite: 0 ppm
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Nitrate: Keep as low as practical with good filtration and regular maintenance.