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A marine fish with beautiful fan-like fins and stripes. Dorsal spines carry strong venom.
"Lionfish" covers Pterois species in the family Scorpaenidae; the red lionfish and the spotfin lionfish are the ones usually offered. The long, fan-like pectoral fins and red-brown banding are striking, and they drift rather than swim. Depending on species adults reach 20-40 cm and live ten to fifteen years, so a tank of 180 L or more is the eventual requirement. The dorsal spines carry a potent venom that causes severe pain and swelling. They are decidedly piscivorous and will eat any fish or shrimp that fits in the mouth. New arrivals usually take only live food, and patiently converting them to frozen is the central task of keeping one.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Lionfish lives 10-15 years.
The Lionfish grows to 20-40cm.
Never put bare hands in the tank during maintenance; if stung, immerse the wound in water at 40-45°C and seek medical attention promptly.
Origin
the Indo-Pacific
Lifespan
10-15 years
Size
20-40cm
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Primary sources
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Temperature
23〜26℃
Live food, Frozen food
Large tank (180L+) required
Start with live food, gradually switch to frozen
Will eat fish that fit in its mouth
Venomous spines, handle with extreme care
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The average lifespan of Lionfish is 10-15 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Lionfish typically reaches 20-40cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Lionfish feeds on: Live food, Frozen food. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Lionfish varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: June 13, 2026