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Scorpaenidae Family - Genus Pterois Species Profile
Saltwater Aquariums Guide Fish Profile

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Photo by Debbie Hauter
South Pacific Scorpionfish (Pterois volitans)

Pterois volitans Scorpionfish - Click for larger view

• Identification
• Characteristics & Compatibility
• Diet & Feeding
• Notes From Your Guides

Identification

• Phylum: Chordata
• Subphylum: Vertebrata
• Class: Actinopterygii = Osteichthyes (Ray-Finned or Bony Fishes)
• Order: Scorpaeniformes (Scorpionfishes and Flatheads)
   • Sister Order: Perciformes (Perch-Likes)
• Family: Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes and Rockfishes)
   • Subfamily: Pteroinae
• Genus: Pterois
The Scorpaenidae family contains about 23 genera that are found in tropical waters worldwide. Most commonly known as Scorpionfishes, the Pterois species along with other members of this family are referred to by many other names such as Turkey, Wasp, Fire, Red, Devil and Lionfishes, as well as combinations of these names. Being related the names of these fish may vary, but overall they are similar in characteristic and appearance.
The spines of the dorsal fin and the rays of the pectoral fins are unusual, because they are very long and extend far beyond the membranes connecting them. All of the pectoral rays are unbranched and the upper pectoral rays, in particular, are developed into long, feeler-like filaments. These fish have dangerous venomous stinging spines, and therefore should be kept and handled with great caution and care!   >> First-Aid Resources for Treating Stings
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Hawaiian Species
Photos are the property of Keoki & Yuko Stender

(Click photos for enlarged views)

Scientific Name: Pterois sphex (Jordan & Evermann, 1903).

Other Common Names: Hawaiian Turkeyfish, Hawaiian or Sphex Lionfish, Wasp Scorpionfish.

Average Size: To about seven inches, but larger specimens may reach 10 inches.

Read > Guides Hawaiian P. sphex Profile

Indo-Pacific Species
Photos are the property James McClain and Sammi Baker

(Click photos for enlarged views)

Scientific Name: Pterois volitans (Linnaeus, 1758).

Common Names: Common, Volitans or Red Lionfish, Turkeyfish, Red Firefish, Butterfly Cod, Devilfish.

Average Size: Larger specimens can reach 15 inches.

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Other Related Pterois Species

P. antennata (Bloch, 1787) Broadbarred Firefish, Spotfin, Antennata or Ragged-Finned Lionfish - Average size to about 8 inches.

P. mombasae (Smith, 1957) Deepwater, Mile's Lionfish, Frillfin and Mombasa Turkeyfish - Average size to about 7 inches.

P. radiata (Cuvier, 1829) Clearfin, Radial Lion or Firefish - Average size to about 9 inches.

P. russelii (Bennett, 1828) Russell's, Spotless, Red Volitans, Soldier Lionfish, Plaintail Firefish, Largetail and Military Turkeyfish - Average size to about 12 inches.

P. miles (Bennett, 1828) Devil Firefish - Average size to about 14 inches.

P. lunulata (Temminck & Schlegel, 1843) Luna Lionfish - Average size to about 14 inches.

More > Genus Pterois & Other Scorpionfish Photos

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Characteristics & Compatibility

Pterois species are generally slow moving but bold fish that like to take refuge in caves or under overhangs, hover in the water column, as well as sit posed on the bottom of the tank. These fish have a tendency to "cling" along side of objects or equipment in aquariums, which makes them difficult to see or locate at times, so be careful when placing hands inside a tank when one of these fish is present. >> First-Aid Resources for Treating Stings
Because of the large size these fish can grow to, they are best kept in an aquarium of no less than 55 gallons in size.

Even though they are typically non-aggressive towards other fishes, and more than one specimen can be kept a larger aquarium if plenty of room and shelter is provided to allow each fish to establish its own house and tank territory, their behavior can be unpredictable. These fish are better kept in an aggressive fish community with other larger species of similar size and nature, such as with Eels, Hawkfishes, Groupers, and larger Surgeonfishes.

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Diet & Feeding

These fish are predatory carnivores that in the wild feed on shrimps, crabs and other crustaceans, but in an aquarium will often opportunistically feed on other smaller fishes. Adapting very well to aquarium life, Scorpionfish family Pterois species can be quite a stunning centerpiece, and because they are "live food" feeders, if you like to watch a predator/prey show, you'll find having one of these fish very entertaining. They can be taught to feed on a variety of fresh and frozen meaty fares such as fish and crustacean flesh, but the feeding of live grass shrimp or feeder fish may be needed to stimulate an initial feeding response. Due to these fishes feeding habits, they may often go days without needing to eat. Offer foods accordingly.

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Notes From Your Guides

Before You Buy Tips: Before buying a Tang or Surgeonfish, or ANY fish for that matter, be sure you learn all about the particular fish you are thinking of keeping. They may be similar in character, but many have very specific care requirements to be aware of.
What are its specific dietary preferences? What are its particular characteristic traits, environmental requirements, and compatibility with other fishes or marine life? Is it a species that will do well in captivity? How big does it get? Do you know what to look for when buying a fish?
Knowing the answers to these questions are of the utmost importance to their survival!