Facts and Information about the Volitans Lionfish (Pterois volitans)

Scientific Name:

Pterois volitans

Other Common Names:

Turkeyfish, Red Firefish, Butterfly Cod, Devilfish.

Maximum Size:

To about 15".

Distribution:

Indo-Pacific.

Diet:

Should be fed meaty foods, including marine fish, Silversides and crustacean flesh. Live feeder fish or Glass Shrimp may be needed to initiate captive feeding.

Characteristics:

The Volitans prefers to spend most of its time in the open. It is quite long-lived and grows large (to 15"), so it should have a large tank. This fish will consume small fish and shrimp (whatever it can fit in its mouth), so tankmates should be on the large size if they expect to survive for long.

Poisonous Fish!!:

The spines of the Volitans contain a powerful toxin which can cause a very painful (or even fatal, if you are allergic) sting. Handle this fish with great caution. It should be noted that if the Volitans does sting something in its tank, the poison released in the water can be fatal to other fish and invertebrates.

Minimum Tank Size:

75 gallons.