Volitan Lionfish

Volitan Lionfish: The Venomous Predator

The Volitan Lionfish (Pterois volitans), also commonly known as the Black Lionfish, Red Lionfish, Common Lionfish, or Turkeyfish, is one of the most popular and striking venomous marine fish. This fish is a magnificent, though challenging, addition to the large marine aquarium.

Native to the Indo-Pacific, the Volitan Lionfish is a large predator, capable of reaching an impressive body length of 12 to 15 inches (30-38 cm). Its elaborate fins, which include 13 long, venomous dorsal spines, make it a true showpiece. Due to its size and high bioload, a minimum aquarium size of 120 gallons is required, and larger is always better.

The Volitan Lionfish is generally peaceful toward tankmates too large to be eaten but poses a significant risk to the hobbyist due to its highly venomous spines. Extreme caution must be exercised during all tank maintenance.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This fish is a dedicated Carnivore and a highly effective predator. In the wild, it hunts small fish and crustaceans. In captivity, it must be trained to eat non-living, meaty foods such as frozen krill, silversides, chunks of squid, and marine shrimp. Avoid feeding freshwater feeder fish (like guppies or goldfish) as this leads to nutritional deficiencies (fatty liver disease).
• Feeding: Lionfish can be easily trained to recognize their owner. Feed every 2-3 days as an adult until its stomach shows a slight bulge.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe With Caution. While the Lionfish will generally ignore corals, it will systematically hunt and eat nearly all ornamental invertebrates (shrimp, crabs, snails, etc.) and any fish that can fit into its surprisingly large mouth (roughly half its body size).
• Temperament: It is Semi-Aggressive / Predatory. It should only be housed with large, robust, and fast-moving tankmates that are at least half its body length. Good choices include large tangs, groupers, and aggressive marine angels. It is solitary and should be kept singly or in mated pairs.
• Venomous Spines: The sting is extremely painful but rarely fatal to humans. If stung, immediately immerse the affected area in the hottest water you can tolerate (not scalding) for 30-90 minutes, as heat breaks down the protein-based venom. Seek medical attention immediately.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Pterois volitans
• Primary Common Name: Black or Red Volitan Lionfish
• Other Common Names: Red Lionfish, Turkeyfish, Butterfly Cod
• Origin: Indo-Pacific (Widespread)
• Max Size: 12-15 inches (30-38 cm)
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Predatory (Venomous)
• Diet: Carnivore (Must be converted to frozen meaty foods)
• Minimum Tank Size: 120+ Gallons
• Reef Compatibility: With Caution (Will eat invertebrates and small fish)