The Enchanting Volitan Lionfish

Pterois volitans

The Volitan Lionfish is one of the most prized and sought-after marine fish for many reasons. Their attractive fins are individually webbed. Depending on where in the Indo-Pacific Ocean they are harvested, can display many variations of brown, red, black, white, burgundy, or occasionally blue. Volitan Lionfish are commonly called Turkeyfish for the impressive spread they display, Red Firefish or even Butterfly Cod. Volitan Lionfish are found all along the Great Barrier Reef, the Caribbean, and along the African coasts. Hobbyists enjoy the mellow and sometimes lazy appearance of this Lionfish as they normally are perched on a ledge just watching over the tank as if the king of the aquatic jungle. Easy to maintain and beautiful to watch, this laidback lifestyle is all a ruse. The eagerness at feeding time greatly contrasts this typically placid behavior and only increases the desire for ownership. Pterois volitans are not picky eaters and if tank mates are not chosen carefully, will eat anything that will fit in their mouth, and try for some that may not.

The wild diet of Lionfish covers a wide variety of live fish, shrimp, and occasionally small crustaceans, however, frozen food sources are recommended to reduce potential harm to the fish. It is suggested that a setup of at least 120 gallons or preferably more is required for this fish if not alone in the tank. This is due to not only the adult size of up to 15 inches long but also equally as wide.