FuzzyLionF

FAQs about Fuzzy or Short-Fin Dwarf Lionfishes, Dendrochirus brachypterus

Related Articles: Dwarf Lionfishes, Lionfish & Their Relatives, Keeping Lionfishes and their Scorpaeniform Kin Part 1, Part 2, by Anthony Calfo and Robert Fenner,

Scorpionfishes: Lionfishes & Much More for Marine Aquariums
Diversity, Selection & Care
New eBook on Amazon: Available here
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by Robert (Bob) Fenner

Fuzzy Dwarf Lion Fish, incomp. 8/1/12
Hello!
<Lexie>
We currently have a 75 gallon saltwater aquarium. Our water levels are:
Ph: 8.2
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 0
<How is the NO3 rendered thus?>
Phosphates: .25
Temperature: 80
We currently have a 5 inch fuzzy dwarf lion fish (girl) and a snowflake eel. They have been together for about 3 months. We finally were able to find a second fuzzy dwarf lion fish, She is around 2 inches.
<Might be inhaled by the larger>
After being in quarantine for 4 weeks we moved her into our 75 gallon. Our LFS recommended placing the small one in a Rubbermaid tub with holes around the rim and placing it in the tank so our current lion fish would get used to her.
<A good idea; better by far to separate permanently... until there's only an inch or so difference in overall length twixt the two>
We did this for 30 minutes with no aggression from our first lion fish.
After releasing her into the tank our eel tried to nip at her. But has since left her alone. Our large one has been stocking
<stalking>
the baby and then charging at her. Is this normal behavior?
<Not abnormal>
Should we remove the baby and place her back in quarantine or to the LFS?
Right now they are on opposite sides of the aquarium.
Thank you!
<Re-read what I've written above. Bob Fenner>

Fuzzy dwarf tank mates, not Rhinecanthus 1/9/10
Hi Guys,
<Claude>
You have a great, informative website.
I have not been able to find the response to some tank mate compatibilities on your site what I mean is
I have a 110 gallon tank (fish only with 100 lbs of live rock) that has -1 fuzzy dwarf lion fish about 3 inches
-1 metallic fox face about 4 inches
-2 chocolate starfish
I was looking to add a Picasso trigger as well... however I have read that when other individuals have inquired on this, their tanks are a lot smaller then mine, which could result in the trigger hurting the fuzzy dwarf lionfish.
<And too likely the Starfish>
So I was wondering if this would work out with my tank size?
<It's not a "good gamble" in my estimation. Too likely the Rhinecanthus will chew the Lion... make it hard to feed it (by eating all foods itself).
I'd be looking for more suitable tankmates. Please read here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/dwflioncompfaqs.htm>
my tank has been established for 1 yr.
Also, I am planning for my 125 gallon fish only tank with about 110 lbs of live rock. I already have
- 1 yellow tang about 3 inches
- 1 unicorn tang about 5 inches
<Mmm, which species of Naso? See WWM re... most all species, specimens get too big for this size, shaped system>
Would a Sohal tang fit in here without over stocking my tank?
<Mmm, maybe... as THE alpha fish. I would place last, and acquire a small specimen to start with. See WWM re this Acanthurus>
I am also looking at the below , unsure if they could go in either the 125 gallon or the 140,
-clown trigger fish
<... See WWM...>
-filefish
-Koran angelfish
<For quite a time... a few years if started small>
any information would be appreciated , and in what order should the fish be introduced.
Cheers
Claude
<Please learn to/use the search tool and indices on WWM. Bob Fenner>

Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish (RMF, are there "safe" feeders for marines?)<Yes; of marine origin.> 12/10/09
hello, my fuzzy dwarf lionfish that I've had for about four months is suddenly loosing his color.
<Oh? Fish maintain their colour via foodstuffs, primarily carotenoids in crustaceans and various other substances in algae. Even predators that don't eat these things directly obtain them via their prey. Fish will also alter their colour if the environment isn't quite right, so it's a good idea to review things like water quality, water chemistry, social
interactions, etc.>
He is eating frozen squid and krill and the occasional rosy red.
<Why are you feeding this fish minnows? Didn't get the memo? Just to reiterate: never, ever feed cyprinids to predatory fish. They contain too much fat and high quantities of thiaminase. Since crustaceans and at least some squid species also contain thiaminase, this is an easy way to create a vitamin B1 deficiency. Also cheap feeder fish are the #1 best way to deliver parasites into your prize fish. There is no, repeat NO, reason to use such fish. The only safe feeders are home-bred, gut-loaded killifish and livebearers, and possibly cichlids such as tilapia, assuming the predator in question can handle prey with spiny fins (not all can). Bob Fenner might well argue that you shouldn't use freshwater fish at all for marine predators, though brackish water mollies and pupfish-type killifish should be safe. <They are. RMF> The key thing is you fatten these feeders up on algae-based flake and chopped Sushi Nori, and that way you deliver a vitamin-rich mouthful to your predator. Have you ever kept cats? When cats catch birds and mice, the bits they ALWAYS eat first are the liver and guts, not the "meat". Why? Because these internal organs contain all the vitamins the cat needs to stay healthy. Muscle itself is basically empty calories, and predators don't need all that much of it. But internal organs are essential, since things like vitamin C and iodine are lacking in muscle tissue but rich in plants/algae (and therefore concentrated in the digestive tract and internal organs).>
I don't soak the food in anything since my LFS don't carry any of that stuff, and I've tried plain garlic juice but it left a nasty oily film on the top of the water.
<A real issue with predators, whether marine or freshwater, is making sure they get enough vitamins. If you can use whole lancefish for example, stuffing them with some Spirulina flake or a couple of quality pellets like Hikari Cichlid Gold will "gut load" them for you. But if you're feeding small morsels, then you really should be using a vitamin supplement.
There's an art to keeping predatory fish precisely because it's so easy to give them a vitamin-limited diet. Plenty calories, so they seem energetic, but vitamin limited, so over time they become prone to various disorders.
Neurological problems like blindness are especially common.>
When I first got him he would be clear in the mornings right when I turned the light on but so where my damsels so I didn't worry about it much. I've noticed him perching on the heater lately instead of the live rock so I thought he might be cold and the water temperature was kinda low at 75 degrees so I turned it up to 78, but he still perches there.
<You want to put a kybosh on this bad habit for a start! I'd strongly recommend moving the heater to the sump if that's an option, but failing that, use a plastic heater guard. Fish burn themselves all too easily.
Obviously, set the heater at an appropriate temperature for the species in question. The usual 25 C/77 F should be adequate. Keeping fish cooler than that really isn't sensible in the long term unless you're keeping species that particularly benefit from such conditions.>
If he see's me he will gain his color back, but lately he is still staying a little faded so that's why I writing you. Ammonia is 0 nitrites are 0 and nitrates are under 15. My only other guess is he shares a tank with a Snowflake eel which when it comes to feeding time sometimes bumps into the lion.
<Morays are "legally blind" and mostly hunt by smell. They are very opportunistic, so don't mix morays with "bite size" tankmates. Echidna spp. are primarily invertebrate eaters (hence the molariform teeth) but that doesn't mean they won't snap at any dozy fish that doesn't make at least a token effort to keep our of range. While we're talking about morays, do bear in mind they are exceedingly prone to thiaminase problems if fed just crustaceans and mussels. Do read Marco's excellent piece on the topic, here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume_6/volume_6_1/thiaminase.htm
>
I thought this would stress the eel out since the lion is venomous but the eel seems unaffected. The eel resides in the live rock almost all day and its only at feeding time that he comes out.
<Echidna spp. are nocturnal and territorial, so this behaviour is entirely normal.>
By the way I feed the lion every other day or when its obvious he is hungry. He is still eating he is just almost clear in color.
<I tend to feed my predators small meals daily rather than big meals every day or two. Public aquaria work that way because it reduces aggression and predatory instincts somewhat, and in home aquaria, it helps reduce the risk
of water pollution if the predator regurgitates its meal, as they sometimes do.>
Thanks for any help you can give.
Sincerely, Colby
<My gut feeling here is that this Dendrochirus is simply too cold, but I also think a poor diet is at least part of the problem. Up the temperature to something optimal for the species you have, and vary the diet, using thiaminase-free wet-frozen foods such as strips of tilapia fillet. The use of a vitamin supplement is very important if the range of foods you're offering is limited. Only use feeder fish if you're breeding them at home and gut-loading them first. Otherwise you're simply adding another variable to the equation for no practical benefit. Do read Bob's piece on feeders and Lionfish, here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/goldfshfd.htm
Do note that the connection between cheap feeders and sick Lionfish is very clear. My own thoughts and solutions are here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/fdgfdrartneale.htm
Hope this helps. Cheers, Neale.>

Dwarf Lion Beh. -- 11/23/2009
Hello wet web media. Yesterday I purchased a fuzzy dwarf lionfish. After hours of searching this sight and the whole internet I still have a few concerns about my new fishes behaviour. He has been "perching" upside down in the corner by the aquarium heater. He did eat this morning, but I have only seen him swim once. Is this common?
<Hello! Yes, this is absolutely normal -- lionfish tend to be somewhat sedentary in behavior. It's not uncommon to find them hanging upside down under the same ledge in your rockwork for quite some time.. I wouldn't worry unless he starts refusing food. Enjoy! -JustinN>

Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish long lasting feeding strike 8/10/09
Hello Crew,
Let me first state that I am overwhelmed by the amount of information that you have packed into your site. It literally took me days to finish scanning through all of your lionfish information. There isn't a better place on the net, thank you!
The real reason I email you today though is about my fuzzy dwarf lionfish. I have read all about their feeding strikes on your site, but am starting to worry slightly about this particular case. I got my lionfish on July 24th from a LFS about an hour and a half away. They claimed that the lionfish was eating frozen krill soaked in garlic,
<Insufficient nutritionally>
but I tended to think otherwise. I watched them drop a couple pieces into it's tank and only saw the lion stay in hiding as it's tankmates (two tangs) gobbled up all of the food. It had been in the LFS tank since July
14th (10 days) and I figured it was pretty safe to say it hadn't eaten at all, and was not weaned to frozen food.
I brought the lion home and put it into it's own, prepared tank, and it found a nice cave and immediately settled in. It's colors were pretty faded, and it was acting pretty lethargic, and it looked like it's days were numbered. I tried feeding it some krill on a stick, but to no avail.
He didn't even glance at it, and it almost seemed as if he was just floating in the current. I made a trip down to my only local LFS and bought the only live feeders that they had (feeder guppies) vowing that I would never feed them to "Leo" again after this. I took them home and dropped the three very small ones in the tank. I watched as he happily chased all of them down and ate them.
I waiting a couple days before offering up some more frozen krill soaked in garlic, but again to no avail. I decided to combat his fading colors and feed him some ghost shrimp.
<A good choice>
I read on your site that these were higher in a certain marine protein and were slightly more nutritious then feeders. I drove a longer hour trip to grab some ghost shrimp and brought them back home. Over the next few days I fed them sparingly to the lion, while offering frozen krill at the same time, and he ate the shrimp up in no time, leaving the krill. His colors started to brighten, he seemed much more active, and looked very healthy.
On august 1st I decided that I would trip
<?>
to wean him to frozens now that he looked healthy. I bought some medium sized krill and some small Mysis shrimp. Since the first, I've been only trying to feed him these two foods. I have tried putting them on a stick,
but he barely gives them much attention. He seems to pay more attention to the frozen food when it's dropped into a current and it whizzes by him. I have tried feeding him at different times of day and night, but without success. I have had a few brief moments of "success" though. Though it was a bit strange, a few days ago he came swimming to the surface and nipped at a test strip that I was holding into the water. He also ate a frozen Mysis shrimp that floated by him, but spit it back out a second later. A couple days ago he actually nipped at the krill that I had on the stick. He didn't take all of it, just a little, and hasn't taken any since.
It's now august 9th and he is looking the same way he did when I brought him home. Very un-active, lethargic, faded. His eyes aren't clouded though. All of his water parameters are excellent, and I've kept nitrates below 20 ppm across the board. I'm wondering now what more I can do for him.
<Mmm, really just more of the same... or return this fish, give it to someone else...>
I read on your site that I should only be concerned if his strike goes on past 10 days. It's about 8 days now, and his condition really seems to be slipping. I know that he can't survive solely on live feeders, and needs
frozens weaned in. I'm not sure what do to at this point though. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
Matt
<... Up to you... to keep supplying live foods, keep trying to wean onto frozen... I would expand the latter diet... to include fish... perhaps frozen/defrosted silversides are at least available there... or some other small fishes from the seafood, maybe oriental foods section/food store. Bob Fenner>

Re: Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish long lasting feeding strike 8/10/09
Thank you very very much for your quick response. I greatly appreciate it.
A short update though. Last night after emailing you I decided to feed him after it was dark in the house. I took a piece of krill that had been soaked in garlic and dropped it into the tank. It caught a current and sped by him. He tracked it down and grabbed it. I waited a few seconds then went downstairs to put the remaining krill in the freezer, celebrating my success. I returned upstairs about a minute later to find the krill on the sand underneath the lionfish still in one piece. The lion really seemed to be trying to digest it and did so for a good 30 seconds or so. I don't think it was that the piece was too big, He easily fit it all in his mouth, and it was about the same size as the ghost shrimp he was eating. I now am wondering if he may have a gut blockage since he has twice spit out his food.
<Possibly; but the taking in of the guppies, ghost shrimp argues against this>
Maybe I caused this by just feeding him those two small guppies. I looked more into gut blockage on your site and saw that a lot of lions experiencing this problem would try to open their mouths real wide and try to spit something out. I have only seen this lionfish open its mouth as such twice, and it was more then a week ago since I last saw that kind of a spasm. Your insight is probably much more experienced then mine though, and I eagerly await to hear it. Thank you so much
<... again, krill, shellfish are not "that" palatable, digestible... I would look into other (fish) foods, saltwater in origin... BobF>

Hungry, Hungry Lionfish, dwarf 7/12/09
First of all, thank you for your site, I have found it to be the most informative I have found, and I have spent hours on the web looking for info to help me with my current dilemma.
<Fire away.>
I have a 120 gallon reef tank that currently houses a coral beauty angelfish, cowfish, 2 clownfish, a dragon goby, 2 scooter blennies, one cleaner shrimp, and a cleaning crew, and the brand new fuzzy dwarf lionfish. On a recent trip to my LFS I fell in love in with a beautiful little juvenile fuzzy dwarf lionfish (about 2"). Being relatively new to the hobby, I rely a lot on the advice of the owner of this store and one of his employees, and so far they have been extremely knowledgeable, and this is what they told me in regards to the fuzzy dwarf lion...
He is actually a pretty peaceful, reef safe fish that kind of hangs out and waits for food to come to him. He is not safe for small ornamental shrimp and he will eat things that will fit in his mouth, but buying them little and growing up in your tank, he should be just fine in your tank.
<More or less accurate; Dendrochirus tend to make excellent aquarium residents, though they are of course predatory, and like any fish, need sufficient space to feel settled. It's unwise to trust fish not to eat small fish if they grow up with them, though I admit in some cases this does actually seem to happen, the predator viewing existing small fish as "part of the scenery". But it's not a reliably strategy, and Dendrochirus have relatively large mouths given their body size, and being somewhat nocturnal, they're well able to catch sleeping fish of considerable size.>
After reading thru much of your site, I am really beginning to doubt that advice, that being said here is my problem. I can find a lot of information on lion fish that don't want to eat, or won't eat anything except live feeder fish, my fish is apparently the exception to the rule.
<Depends a lot on the aquarist and the aquarium, I think.>
He would not eat the first few days I brought him home (which in hindsight I actually think is due to the absence of my Pederson shrimp). On the third day I got some tongs, waived some frozen krill shrimp in front of him, dropped it, and he gladly ate it.
<Sounds good!>
I feed my fish twice a day, the next morning when I went to feed them, there he was with everyone else waiting to be fed. Since that time, when I go to feed he swims to the top waiting for his food. A few days later I was in my LFS and I asked how often they should be eating and was told a couple of times a week, yikes!
<I actually don't treat my predatory fish this way; I prefer to give them smaller, daily meals instead. My rationale is that this avoids dumping a large meal into the tank, and so problems with regurgitating food and sudden changes in water quality are avoided. If you choose high ash content foods (i.e., things like Krill that come with skeletons as well as the meat) then the actual amount of protein added to the system is rather small, typically 5%. So even in fairly bulky amounts, you aren't actually adding much ammonia-producing material. Plus, the indigestible content makes the fish feel "full", like fibre in plant foods, so that the fish is satisfied more quickly. In the wild, fish tend to consume high ash content foods a lot of the time, so this is a very natural approach to feeding them; the 30-40% protein foods we give them, like flakes and pellets, simply don't exist in the wild!>
But he is hungry twice a day, I have read these fish can eat themselves to death.
<Yes and no. Overfeeding is rarely (ever?) about a fish eating so much it gets physically ill; the issue is that too much food in an aquarium reduces water quality, because protein is ultimately metabolised by the fish and then the filter bacteria to nitrate and phosphate. Moreover, too much of the wrong foods can cause serious health problems, just as when humans eat too much of the wrong things. In the case of fish, certain fats seem to cause problems, these fats coming primarily from certain freshwater fish, notably the Cyprinidae (goldfish, minnows, etc.).
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/fwsubwebindex/fdgfdrartneale.htm
In addition, some fish meats and seafood contain thiaminase, and this destroys Vitamin B1, and over the long term, this leads to all sorts of problems.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume_6/volume_6_1/thiaminase.htm
The main thing with predatory fish is to offer them a variety: nothing beats this approach! For things like Lionfish, you can use all sorts of things, but try to minimise the use of prawns and mussels since these contain a lot of thiaminase, and instead concentrate on squid, thiaminase-free white fish such as tilapia, flounder and cod, and thiaminase-free shellfish like cockles and squid. Earthworms are also superb foods for all predatory fish, though you need to collect them from clean (i.e., organic, non-pesticide-sprayed) areas. The aim is to offer enough food the fish has a gently convex belly but doesn't look bloated. In between meals, the predatory fish should be alert and looking for another meal, rather than bloated and resting contentedly. Really, much what people say about the optimal human diet for health: not too much, lots of variety, plenty of fibre!>
So I tried not feeding him when I feed everyone else, since he is the only one eating krill, everyone else gets a variety of pellets, Mysis, and brine shrimp. If I don't feed him, then he starts to get active, and swims around the tank, something he never does, I am assuming he is looking for food, and not wanting any of his tank mates to become dinner, I cave in and feed him. I am currently just giving him smaller pieces of the krill twice a day until I can find a solution.
<Krill is quite a good food, but don't use it exclusively.>
THANKS! Dawn
<Cheers, Neale.>

Re: Hungry, Hungry Lionfish 7/12/09
Thank You so much for your speedy response! I feel much better about Leo's future. I will continue to feed him when he is hungry, but I will add some variety to it.
<Cool.>
Again, thank you so much for your quick response and for providing a site with such an amazing wealth of knowledge!!
<Happy to help! Enjoy your fishkeeping. Cheers, Neale.>

Fuzzy Dwarf Lion Eating Habits... Unique Situation/Not Unique At All 6/30/09
Hey Crew,
<Drew>
Love the site/database... I've looked through most of the info here and I haven't found anything too conclusive on my current dilemma. I'm pretty experienced with freshwater (esp. African Cich's) but somewhat new to saltwater. I have set up my second SW reef tank (46g... first was 20g). Its been stocked with 60 lbs of well cured liverock, various corals (not important in this case), live sand, Reef Octopus HOB skimmer, Halides and T7's, UV sterilizer, and I run a Marineland Emperor 400 - half filled with liverock fragments, the other half a sponge filter and SeaChem Purigen. Here's the livestock: 2 adult True Percula Clowns, 1 juvenile (1.5 inch) Ocellaris clown, 1 juvenile Regal Tang (I know),
<If you know, why did you buy it? Your tank will be much too small for this fish.>
1 adult Diamond Goby, 1 Bicolor Angel,
<A difficult fish to keep for someone new to saltwater.>
and (drum roll......) 1 juvenile Fuzzy Dwarf Lion whom is about 2.5 in. long, including fins.
<That "drum roll" is going to turn to "taps" before too long.>
I know... extremely risky, and even overstocked.
<"I know" again, but still purchased.>
But I've got a LFS who will openly trade with me. So here's the dilemma. The tank has been for the most part up and running for the past 6-8 weeks, young I know, but thriving.
<Not nearly aged enough for the Regal Tang and the Bi-Color Angel.>
Well 5 days ago I was shown a juvy dwarf lion at my favorite LFS. They know me there and know the tanks that I've had and that I've been working on. Well, we were talking about the livestock which I'm currently housing and we concluded that the lil 2.5 inch lion would probably work well in the long run, under the condition that he acclimates to prepared food.
<Even if acclimated to prepared food, live food will be the first choice if available.>
Hopefully, being introduced to his tankmates (clowns) at such a young age will ultimately spare their lives.... at least for a while. So I went ahead and rolled the dice, drip acclimated, so on and so forth. 5 days in he has yet to eat any of the prepared food which I've offered. Frozen Mysis and Frozen Carnivorous Cuisine (recommended by LFS...)
<Not unusual at all.>
So I have multiple breeding pairs of African Cichlids whom yield me a constant supply of fry and juveniles... to the point where it's a nuisance. I have read all about the truths of feeding freshwater fish to lions... but I had to try it out. I threw two of my many 6 week old African juveniles (sp. Pseud. Acei) in the tank. He hunted them down and gobbled em up. So, here we stand with my question. If I were to feed the Pseudotropheus Acei fry/juveniles an exclusive veggie(Spirulina, etc) and marine based diet(reef flakes) (they friggin eat anything!) do you think they would make a legitimate/safe... or at least temporarily safe diet for my adorable dwarf fuzzy? At least compared to the typical freshwater feeder fish that are fed to Lions.
<Would be fine, stay away from feeding goldfish. I don't understand why you are willing to go through all this trouble when this fish will be having clownfish for dinner one day. These fish can exceed 6" in length as an adult, and your tank will soon be too small for it, and certainly will not handle the high waste levels/load produced by this fish and other inhabitants. I don't think too much of your LFS selling you some of these fish knowing your tank size, inhabitants, and experience level.>
Thanks for the help,
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
- Drew Canale
P.S. - I introduced the 2 adult Percula's a week after I had the juvenile ocellaris, and they absolutely love each other, which I great to see. Well ever since I put the lion in the tank, I have noticed that at night, they shelter and protect my little ocellaris in a corner of the tank. It's the cutest thing I've ever seen. The lion has been really peaceful so far.
<Won't be cute too much longer. With your inhabitants and tank size, you have a recipe for disaster.>

Dwarf Lionfish Adoption? 5/31/09
Dear WWM crew, Hastily I am sending you this query because I have a dilemma......although you will probably assume this from the email.

Regardless I have a 28 gal JBJ Nano that is almost done cycling. The ammonia is dropping steadily now and approaching zero. But my question is this:
First of all I have about 45 lbs of live rock (a lot for a 28 yes but it was cheaper on wholesale that individual lbs.) is this too much?
< Depends....1 to 1 1/2 lbs of rock per gallon of water are the standard but the actual density of the rock in question would make an obvious difference. The idea is to have the maximum amount of rock while still
allowing an optimum amount of water flow. Proper flow being an often overlooked component to a healthy aquarium.>
Second I hadn't really started planning on what I was going to do with the tank yet although I had some vague ideas.......
< Wonderful! Proper planning is the first step to success. >
recently a friend of mine has purchased a Dwarf Fuzzy Lion which due to recent circumstances he is unable to facilitate and is offering me a free inhabitant. Now the location of the nearest quality pet store is at least
an hour away and I find lion fish quite entertaining would it be possible to keep a Dwarf fuzzy in the JBJ Nano? (If it was kept it would be a singular species in the tank)
< No, I would not recommend keeping a Fuzzy Dwarf in anything thing less than a 55 gallon. Dwarf Lionfish are very messy animals. Keeping them in anything smaller would require a real dedication to maintenance and water quality. Not impossible but not recommended. GA Jenkins >

Re: Dwarf Lionfish Adoption? 5/31/09
WOW! I hadn't included any gratitude in the previous email so I wanted to take just a little time and say THANK YOU. This website is bar none the most valuable aquarium resource out there! Also how amazing I sent my email and within three hours I already had a completely educated response! So thank you again! Brandon
< You are very welcome! GA Jenkins >

Poor Ruffus, I'm so Distraught.
Lionfish jumping, Lionfish Beh. 4/30/2009
<Hi>
I have had a fuzzy dwarf lion named Ruffus for about six months now, my sister had him for a year prior to that. I do weekly water changes along with testing.
<Very good>
Everything has been going VERY well. Normally as soon as the door opens he's at the glass looking at me like a puppy, literally.
<Not at all uncommon with Lionfish, particularly Fuzzy Dwarfs.>
Tuesday when I came home from work I couldn't find Ruffus in any of his normal hiding spots. After looking for about 15 min. I started to worry. I finally found him dead on the floor under the stand.
<Sorry for your loss.>
The tank is covered except for a gap about 2.5" x 2.5" near the filter. I know this is where he left the tank, but what I don't understand is why. He was the only fish in it and I've never heard of them jumping.
<Any fish can jump.>
After the clean up I tested everything from salinity to nitrates, and everything in between even the water temp. and everything is good going by what I've read from multiple, multiple sources.
<Actual readings would be better, but this will suffice.>
Judging by the fact that he just barely fit through the gap, it almost seems like he planned it.
<No, it wasn't planned.>
Any ideas what drove my poor Ruffus to suicide?
<Fish do NOT commit suicide. Fish lack the mental capacity to make that type of decision. It is more likely that your fish saw something by the filter opening that it interpreted as potential prey and rushed it, propelling itself out of the water.>
<Mike>

Re: Dwarf Lionfish Health\Feeding 4/5/2009
Hi Mike
<Hi Peter>
Thanks for the reply. The answer to your questions. There is only 6 turbo snails and 5 hermits crabs in with the dwarf lion fish.
<Ahh OK, fairly light load then>
I did a 10% change today and was curious about the water I was adding. I did a test for nitrates on the water from the tap, that was okay 0 reading, I prepped the water ( added salt, tap cond. PH 8.2, Cycle) and did a nitrate test on this and it came back as 15ppm which seems high.
<Hmm.... wouldn't add the cycle to the make up water. Do make another batch without the Cycle and test again.
If you are still getting a high reading, you should consider changing your salt mix.>
I was really worried about the dwarf, so I tried him with 6 Neons ( hated doing it but was getting desperate) and he was a different fish, ate them all in a couple of min.s.
More active eyes have cleared up, which seems maybe he was not on frozen before?

I have enclosed a couple of pics of the tank and structure of rocks etc.
<Looks like a nice set up. I notice some green algae on your rocks, probably related to your nitrate levels.>
What was in the tank before was an emperor angel, 1 Firefish, 2 humbugs, 1 clown, 1 psychedelic, keyhole dwarf angel, and a Longnose butterfly.
The butterfly was getting harassed by the emperor and got the velvet 1st.
Don't know what else I can tell you.
Thanks for the links will check them out.
Regards Peter
<My Pleasure>
<Mike>

Re: Dwarf Lionfish Health\Feeding (4/8/2009) Update with BGA control 5/4/2009
Hi Mike
<Hi Peter.>
Fuzzy still doing well, still not weaned him off live yet, but I leave him a few days and he then shows interest in dead at first but does not eat it, but I am sure with perseverance he will come around.
<It can take some time. Just keep trying.>
My nitrates are still quite high, however I do have good news.
<Keep up with the water changes for the nitrates, or add some macroalgae.>
The red slime I had is no longer,
<Excellent News.>
I really don't know what I did, except I do not add cycle anymore, thanks for the tip, and basically I left the tank alone. I used to clean the red stuff as soon as it appeared, I left it for a week without touching it and
although initially it got worse after 2-3 days it started to recede, and within 2 weeks it was gone.
<It likely ran out of stuff to 'eat'>
I have now had 3 clear days without it appearing.
Thought I would let you know as it may help other marine keepers get rid of this problem.
<Thank you for sharing this.>
Regards Peter
P.S. Picking up an Eel today to add to the tank, but he IS eating lancefish (no weaning required).
<Do read up on its care requirements. Here is a great place to start:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/morays.htm >
<Mike>

Lionfish/Boxfish Compatibility -- 03/07/09 Hello Crew, <Kevin> First off, love the site is a huge help. <Ah, good> Currently in the process of establishing a new tank. It is a 4x2x2 and will contain two ribbon eels and two dwarf fuzzy lionfish. <Mmm... Kev... Ribbon eels are very hard to keep... and Lions are too likely to spine/sting them...> I have spent a lot of time preparing myself and my tank for these two especially the eels. I have noticed that on the compatibility chart on LiveAquaria.com *linked from a previous FAQ* (www.liveaquaria.com/general/compatibility_chart.cfm) that the boxfish is compatible with eels and lions. <Mmm, somewhat... but not really... Like all "puffers", too likely to sample/bite both groups of fishes> I suppose my question is simply, how can this tiny little fish <Which species? Some Ostraciids get feet long> be compatible when everything I have read tells me the lion will eat whatever will fit in its mouth, which would be easily be the boxfish? Thanks in advance Kevin <I'd re-think this entire stocking plan... It won't work. Bob Fenner>

Fuzzy Dwarf filtration 2/16/09 Hi Bob, hope your well? <Thanks Nick... got a ding dang cold that is killing me, other misc. complaints... but still oh so grateful to be here!> I'm sorry to say I lost my Eibli angel of 3 years this morning, it was fine last night then I discovered it dead and covered in hermits this morning. I think it may be due to me disturbing a large clump of Cyano in the tank, could this have released toxins? <Yes, possible> My 2 clowns and byno goby are fine. The Eibli was my favourite fish and pretty much the reason I kept the tank going, I'm now thinking its time for a change. I'm really keen on keeping Dendrochirus brachypterus <Buy from the same tank at the same time... males will fight> and was thinking of going for 1 or 2 plus a Ctenochaetus strigosus to assist with algae / detritus removal and add some liveliness to the mix. The tanks 75gallon with roughly 40kg LR, Turboflotor 1000 multiSL skimmer and an Eheim 2217 canister used purely for mechanical filtration. I have had to remove my short lived sump due to the proximity of my flat mates bedroom to the noisy downpipe! <Do read here re: http://wetwebmedia.com/pbnoisef5.htm and the linked FAQs files in the series (above)... there are some real cures to be had here> I would be removing the goby and clowns and the smaller hermits. My question is do you think the current filtration plus bi/weekly water changes would be sufficient to cope with the quantity and sporadic nature of the lions waste output? <Could be, yes> I would probably feed them 3 times a week. <Let's settle on twice> Everything I've read points to a sump or wet/dry being the way forward but unfortunately this is not an option for me. Sorry to trouble you yet again! Thanks in advance Nick <Welcome! BobF>

Lazy fuzzy dwarf lionfish?? 8/29/08 I've read a ridiculous amount on your website today, but can't really seem to find the answer to my lionfish. <Understood...can be hard to divine specific scenarios from general information> I have a 30ga. cube and 58ga. plumbed together with a common sump/fuge. Total water volume~110 gallons. I am running a skimmer, have DSB in display and fuge, and Chaeto in the fuge. The lionfish is in the 30 cube <Problem> along with a fairly docile black/white damsel, and a 3" wild caught Clarkii clown (inherited from another friend). <bigger problem> I purchased the fish approximately 2 weeks ago. He had been at the LFS for approximately 2 weeks supposedly eating ghost shrimp like crazy, though when I was there he didn't like the one already in his "pen" but really liked the fresh one put in there to show me he was eating. I brought him home and put him in. I know, I know, I should have set up a QT tank for him, but figured he was healthy and eating at the store, so he should be at my house too. He ate the next day for me (more ghost shrimp) and for several days after that, but yesterday and today hasn't been interested in food. I've tried ghost shrimp, frozen shrimp, silversides, and baby SW mollies I have been breeding to feed him (even tried to dangle these in front of him with a forceps). The LFS keeps their water SG at 1.016 to keep parasites down. Mine is at 1.026. <HUGE change! This alone could kill a fish if he wasn't slowly brought up...osmotic balance of cells, lysing of tissue is a serious concern with this kind of change. Bear in mind a MAXIMUM recommended shift of .002/24hrs> My other water parameters are adequate (Alk 7dkh, ca 390, nitrates/nitrites/phosphates=0 mag?). The lion has been coloring up nicely since coming from the store, but he hasn't eaten recently, doesn't show interest, and "lays" in the back corner of the tank with his fins to his side, almost laying on his side. Am I being overly concerned? <Is due cause for concern> Is there anything I should do for him? <Carefully move him to a MUCH larger tank. Even a dwarf lionfish should be in a 75-gallon size footprint. Your little fellow was terribly shocked by the change in osmotic pressure (Chance of organ failure in the present future), then is dealing with cramped quarters and inappropriate roommates. What is happening here is most likely analogous to curling up in the fetal position to try to escape from a bad party- while you're dealing with severe stomach flu.> Thanks in advance. <No problem. Get that little guy in an appropriate home, watch him closely, and I imagine he'll return to health, provided no major damage was done by the salinity change. Benjamin> Ryan

Dwarf lion cloudy eye not swollen 5/27/2008 Hey crew, I hope all is well at the wet web. Ok this is more of a need for confirmation. I have a dwarf lion D. brachypterus I have had him around 7 months. His right eye is cloudy not swollen. the left eye is perfectly normal. His behavior is business as usual eating to satiation. Current diet includes Enriched Krill, Mysis shrimp, and silver sides (I do give on occasion Ghost shrimp loaded with Cyclop-eeze). tank mates are a yellow tang, and a white ribbon eel. the tank is a 75 gallon mixed reef soft coral, clams , sps, LPSs, zoos, leathers, Shrooms, pectina, inverts, with a 30 gallon fuge. water needless to say is optimal. I am assuming that this is due to some type of trauma <Very likely, yes> since there are not any obvious signs of stress or going off feed, and the other eye is perfect. Am I right or am I putting him in Quarantine for antibiotics? also instead of putting him in quarantine would it be possible if necessary to put the meds into a silver side and feed him that he does hand feed after all? Thanks a lot Crew God bless Dan <And I would not "treat" the fish per se... just time going by, good water quality, nutrition will see this eye condition heal. Bob Fenner>

Prospective 75g Set up... Lion comp. -- 03/07/08 Hi WWM Crew, <Chris> I am looking at purchasing a 75 gallon tank that I want to set up as a FOWLR tank. The tank that I am going to buy is already completely set up and running with water, LR and all the equipment (protein skimmer, penguin BioWheel, etc.) The guy is moving away and I am just going to take everything over. I already have a couple of 8 gallon BioCubes so I am not totally new to saltwater, but I haven't had them long either, but now I am hooked. <Join the club!> My question is, I would like to get some lionfish in there, how viable is maybe doing the tank with 1 Fuzzy dwarf, 1 Fu Manchu dwarf, and 1 zebra dwarf? <Could be done> Will they fight with each other? Second, is there a good clean-up crew that will survive these fish? <You> Other possible plans include 1 Russell's Lion and some other colorful active fish (any suggestions?). <For you to read> Can I do a Russell's Lion with a dwarf lion and maybe like one other active fish? <Really gets too big for a 75...> Any other suggestions on what other fish would be good in there, compatibility-wise? 75 gal. seems big to me, but I know it is not when talking SW. Still in the planning stages and wanted to get some input. Thanks! Chris <Keep reading... Maybe start here: http://wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/index.htm About the fifth tray down... Lionfishes, compatibility... Bob Fenner>

Dwarf Lionfish Blockage? Help! Too much pizza available... sans bier! 3/1/08 Hi Crew, <Chris> I think I may need a little help here. I have an 8 gallon BioCube that has been set up and running for 8 months or so now. I just added a Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish to it about 2 weeks ago now. He was a great addition to the tank that just had a Hawkfish in it before. I do frequent water changes so that the bioload doesn't get out of control. Everything was just fine until the other day. He was swimming happily and eating any ghost shrimp or guppy that was within reach. <Mmm, may have been too much> About two days ago I got some ghost shrimp that were a little larger than the ones I had been feeding him. He grabbed the first one and it seemed to get stuck in his throat. He kept trying to spit it out or something and every time he would go for another shrimp, he would grab it and then spit it right back out (because the other one must have been in the way). <Sort of sounds like me and pizza...> Since then he looks like he is having a hard time breathing and is not swimming around anywhere near as much as he was before. Every now and then he will open his mouth really wide and kind of spasm, like he is still trying to get rid of something. I have looked in his mouth when he is near the glass (because it kind of looks like he is gulping for air) and I can't see anything in there now. I got some smaller shrimp today to see if he might want to go for them <... No!> and he didn't even move or look in their direction when I put them in the tank. I am worried about him. I like him and don't want him to die. Is there anything at all I can do, or do I just have to wait it out and hope he doesn't go to the big ocean in the sky? <Yes... and stop overfeeding...> You guys have a great website with lots of information and knowledge so I figured if anyone could help, it would be you. Thanks in advance for your time. Chris <... Read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/dwflionfdgfaqs.htm and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>

Re: Dwarf Lionfish Blockage? Help! Still not reading... 3/1/08 Thanks for the response. Sad news. Literally 15 minutes after I wrote you the first e-mail, I went over to check on my fish and watched him die right in front of me. It was (is) very sad. I was feeding him about three times a week and he was only getting maybe five shrimp each time (that Hawkfish is fast and likes shrimp too!). <Ah, yes> Is this still too much? I am eventually going to get another one (once I bury this one) and I think I will cut down to twice a week feeding, is that more in line? Thanks again for all your help. Chris >///// Read where you were referred to. RMF<

Please Help! Dwarf Lion rdg. 1/16/08 Hello there and thank you for your time. I have a fuzzy dwarf lionfish approx. 4 inches in length. I recently moved him from a 30 gallon tank to a 72 gallon tank.? His other occupants are a Niger Trigger, <Incompatible... likely harassing> 3 Clowns, <May eat> a few hermit crabs and about 50 lbs of liverock. I noticed today that he is perched on a piece of liverock (he does this often) with a clear almost milky film around him. <Pteroines, Scorpaenids do shed... mucus... but...> He is still rich in color and all the other occupants seem to be doing fine. I don't know if this is relevant but the day before I moved him, he did not eat. <Not generally a worry> I usually feed him ghost shrimp and he eats about 5-7 in a matter of minutes. My water temp is at 80, the PH is 8.2, Nitrates are at 0 and so is the ammonia. Please, any thoughts? <Not from what's presented here... either than the Odonus needs to be elsewhere. Read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/dwfliondisfaqs.htm and the linked files above. Bob Fenner> Victoria

Help with whirling fuzzy dwarf lion. 10/30/07 I hope you can shed some light on a problem I've recently noticed. I have a 2.5 inch fuzzy dwarf lion. He's been with me for 10 months. Eating like a champ, varied diet of pellets, krill, squid, silversides..... if it touches the water he eats it! He shares a 65 gallon tank with a SF moray eel and a small purple tang.... and that's it. I hope to move them all to a 110 within the year. <Good.> Water quality is fine. 1.020, pH 8.3, no ammonia, nitrate is around 10, no nitrite. I do 10 gallon water changes once a week. I do not run copper. The problem I've recently noticed is when the lights come on in the morning he goes into a whirling (somersaulting) fit for about 5-8 minutes..... completely out of control. After that time he sits on his favorite "perch" which is a large sea fan and about 15 minutes. Then he is fine, starts begging for breakfast etc. Should I be concerned about this behavior? I tried duplicating it at different times of the day with turning on and off the lights, but I've only noticed it in the morning.... Am I being overly worried or is there something very wrong going on here? < Begging for breakfast and not being able to duplicate the behavior are good signs. If he is eating and otherwise acting and swimming fine throughout the day he should be fine, you just have a fun fish to watch. > Thanks for your insight, Wendy <Best Fishes, Scott V.>

Dwarf lionfish... comp. 10/22/07 Dear wet web media <Heya Ben!> I have a 220 litre tank and am wondering whether it is possible to mix two dwarf fuzzy lionfish with a fu Manchu. <Absolutely!!!> Best Regards Ben <Take care and good luck -- Brian Griffin>

Feeding Dwarf Lionfish 8/3/07 Hey WWM Crew, <Hi Ryan, Pufferpunk here> I have found myself to be slightly paranoid when dealing with the inhabitants of my tank and have held out on asking a question for some time <Not necessarily a bad thing...> but now I would like a little advice. I got my Shortfin fuzzy dwarf a few weeks back and since the first day he has eaten frozen food happily. <That's great!> It has gotten to the point now that when he knows it's food time, he swims to the top of the tank and squirts water at my girlfriend and I until he is well fed. <Cute!> My concern is how much is too much? We give him a little less than a full silverside daily and throw in shrimp/krill occasionally for some change. Your info pages say to feed about twice weekly. He is getting a little pudgy and I'm not sure if his increasingly lazy style is due to comfort or being overfed. The lion is about 4.5" head to tail. <Hmmm... sounds like you've answered your own question. Those info pages are there for a reason--listen to them. There is such a thing as killing them with kindness! ~PP> Thanks for the help
-Ryan

Troubled fuzzy dwarf lionfish -- 06/28/07 Hello, crew. <Dan> I am troubled by a sudden and severe downturn in health of my dwarf fuzzy lionfish. He is about 4" long and has been our little puppy dog for, oh, most of a year or so. He is usually playful and begs for food. The tank is an established (over two years) 120 gal FOWLR (plus a few mushrooms, mostly hitchhikers) with about 200 lbs live sand (4-6" sand bed) and perhaps 100 lbs live rock. We have a sump with a Euro-reef skimmer, a moderate-sized macroalgae/mud refugium, and a 1250 gal/hr pump. Inhabitants include a few damsels, the lion, flame angel, Christmas wrasse, longnosed Hawkfish, and orange diamond goby. Our newest inhabitant, as of a few weeks, is a gorgeous Scorpionfish sold to us as a "Rainbow Scorpionfish". <Interesting... do you have a scientific name?> It is currently less than 2" long (we were told it would get twice that), and looks like living coralline algae. Remarkable coloration. The water parameters have always been stable -- zero nitrate, nitrate, ammonia; low phosphates. Temperature is around 80, pH around 8.1. The lion has been happy and eating a varied diet (Mysis, krill, squid, shrimp, scallop) as recently as two days ago. Yesterday, I noticed that he was lethargic and breathing rapidly. This morning he was at the back of the tank, breathing very slowly, half on his side. I thought he had died, but then he sort of shuffled around a little bit. He has no outward signs of disease (shedding, wounds, spots, mucus) nor do any other of the tank inhabitants. I checked them very carefully at feeding time this morning. <Good> One note: we recently lost a sharpnosed puffer (a week or two ago). This guy was a pig and kept on eating and eating. He got massively fat (and still wouldn't stop eating -- looked constantly inflated) -- perhaps a tumor of some sort? <Mmm, not likely. Much more probable is simple gluttony due to so much good food being so available> He was fine one day, and then was dead the next. We assumed that he had either died of gluttony or the possible tumor or even a run-in with the Scorpionfish. <All possibilities... my overwhelming vote for the former> We suspected the latter because the Scorpionfish had (past tense) these little "eye fronds" that disappeared around the time of the death of the puffer -- the puffer perhaps took a nip and paid a big price. <Again... a potential...> Is it possible that the lion bumped into the Scorpionfish? <Yes> Any recommendations at this point? <Patience, observation> I am loathe to set up a hospital tank and medicate, when there is no obvious diagnosis. <We are in strong agreement here...> Plus, lions don't do copper, and I've never dabbled with formalin. Thanks, Dan Follow-up: Dwarf fuzzy lionfish -- 06/28/07 Unfortunately, the lion didn't make it. We are really heartbroken, he was our favorite fish. <Sorry for the loss> I took a really close look at the body, and found no signs at all of disease. No spots, mucous, sores, or wounds; no torn fins, eyes were clear; nothing. We are at a complete loss. Regards, Dan <May seem a bit unusual, but if you'd carefully (you can still be envenomized by a dead Pteroine) open up this fish's lumen (with a sharp single-edged razor blade)... There is another set of possibilities that involve this fish having swallowed something... It should be visible with gross examination if so. Bob Fenner>

Lionfish in a reef... 3/21/07 I plan on adding a Dwarf Fuzzy Lion to my 75 gallon reef. <Better be careful with small fish then.> The reef has 260 watts of light. <Have kept Dendrochirus under this much light before'¦ They don't do well with it. They also are not too keen on the high current that this tank will need.> I am adding SPS, and mushroom corals and maybe some polyps. <Allelopathy city. Please do research these creatures before purchase. This will be a highly incompatible mix.> I am going to add 1 Yellow Tang + Regal Tang, and 1 Copperband Butterfly. <Your tank is too small for this. The yellow tang can go into a tank this size, but something larger, say 90 gallons would be better. The Regal Tang will get WAY too big for this tank. Need a 135 or better for this fish. The Copperband Butterfly will likely sample the polyps on the SPS that you mention. Have you researched any of these fish at all?> My only question is what kind of cleaners could I add that would be safe with the lion. <Maybe snails.> I know shrimps will be eaten. <Yep.> Are crabs and snails ok? What about a starfish? <Snails should be ok. As far as crabs go, you will likely find half of it later down the road'¦ The half with claws and eyes. The Dendrochirus might decide to sample the Starfish arms too.> I have a remora skimmer, an Eheim canister and 2 Emperor 7000 hang ons. Would an anemone be safe with a pair of mated Perculas? <With what you have mentioned most likely not. Anemones should not be kept with other corals/things that they can move around and sting. These are motile invertebrates, and make no mistake, they WILL move. It is not a matter of if, it is a matter of when. Please do revise/research your livestock list before purchasing any of these magnificent animals. You are likely going to experience a lot of deaths later down the road if you continue with the plan that you have outlined here. Brandon.>

Opinions on Compatibility of Dwarf Fuzzy Lion and QT Question 1/30/07 Greetings Crew, I have a 55g reef setup with a 20g refugium and Aqua-C Ev-240 Skimmer and a 46g QT with a small skimmer. The 55g has 3 cleaner shrimp, 1 Pair of Black Perculas, 1 Sixline Wrasse, & 1 Fairy Wrasse. My Quarantine Tank is currently housing a Yellow Tang and Flame Angel in for almost 2 weeks and I am receiving a 1.5" Dwarf Fuzzy Lion tomorrow. <Mmm, this Dendrochirus can/will inhale your shrimp, and/or clowns in time if placed with them> My first question is one that I have read varying responses too from NO WAY to will work if... I was wondering if I can keep the Dwarf Fuzzy Lion with the cleaner shrimp and small fish currently all 2-3"? <Can, temporarily... as stated, the Lion will likely ingest them in time> I have read that if the cleaner shrimp have established their role that they won't be eaten. However I have two skunk cleaners who are always pregnant and 1 scarlet cleaner who tends not to clean, will the lack of cleaning lead to his demise? <Mmm, good question... I do believe there may be something to this. See my article, further notes in the FAQs re the genus Labroides> Also can a 4" fish fit into a 6-7" Dwarf Lion Mouth? <Oh yes> I am planning on turning my qt into another permanent tank so if the Dwarf Lion will not be compatible in the reef I will turn him into the centerpiece of the 46g. My second question is about disease treatment in my qt. I treated the flame and yellow tang for black spot a few days after receiving them with a freshwater dip with a small amount(2 drop per g) of formalin (37%) which worked well to get rid of the black spot. However 3 days ago the flame had 1 white spot on his tail... I didn't want to jump the gun... <Good> but, I have this qt because of an earlier ich problem so I also wanted to catch it early. <Mmm, just one spot? Not likely Crypt> So 2 days ago I set up another freshwater dip with a higher concentration of formalin (8 drops per g) and vacuumed the qt tank. Today the single white spot is still there and the tang is showing no sign of ich... which doesn't seem possible if this actually is ich... <Agreed> I am not going to treat the QT for ich yet. Any ideas of what this possibly is? <"An owee"...> Could it be maybe damage from the tangs tail or collateral damage from the formalin dip? <Yes, perceptive> By the way the QT temp is 78F. Thanks for all your help. You guys have been a great help to me. -- Manny Vargas <Thank you for sharing, writing so well. Bob Fenner>

Lionfish mucus 11/25/06 Hello: <Hi there> I just got a fuzzy dwarf lion a week ago. As I acclimate him to frozen krill and silverfish, his eating is improving. <Good> Today, I notice a white mucus coming from him. What is it? <Mmm, a natural body exudation. Pteroines/Lionfishes produce, release a good deal of body slime/mucus in good health> Do I need to treat the water with something. <Nope> My LFS said E.M. tablets. The tank parameters are good. Thanks for the help. Howard <No worries all the way around. Bob Fenner>

Dwarf fuzzy lion hunger strike - 11/02/06 Hi, Crew. <Dan> I have a dwarf fuzzy lionfish, about 3-4" long, that has decided to go on a prolonged (several-week) hunger strike. I know from the FAQs that this is not uncommon, but the little guy is getting really skinny and lethargic, and we don't want to lose him. <Understood> Background: Tank is 120 gal FOWLR with about 200 lbs live sand (w/plenum) and perhaps 50 lbs of live rock. We have a small refugium, a Euro-Reef skimmer, a 1250 gal/hr pump, and a "micron bag" for mechanical filtration. Water parameters are all excellent (ammonia, nitrite zero; nitrate < 1; pH ~8.2; PO4 < 0.2). Inhabitants include a purple tang, diamond sleeper goby, the lion, a small Toby, a long-nosed Hawkfish, a Christmas wrasse, and a few damsels. <Mmmm...> The lion used to come to the top of the tank and "beg" for food. We rotated through several foodstuffs, including silversides, krill, Mysis, squid, and shrimp, feeding maybe three times per week. Now, none of these work, even offered on a gently-wiggled feeding stick. At the suggestion of the FAQs and the LFS, we tried live ghost shrimp. One literally walked in front of, and then onto, the lion's nose. Nothing, nada. There has been no signs of harassment. Everyone gets along reasonably well (the tang is the "queen" of the tank, everyone stays out of her way). There is no evidence of fin-nipping by the Toby, which was originally a concern. Any ideas? We've grown very fond of our little lion and it's heartbreaking to see this fat happy fish wasting away. Many thanks, Dan <Bob Fenner>

Re: Dwarf Lion diet and angelfish bad behavior 8/14/06 Hi Bob and crew, <Hosh> Thank you for your reply. It is most helpful. <Ah, good> I have moved on trying to find the missing maroon clowns as I can obviously see that the fizzy dwarf lionfish is getting fat and happy. <... expensive meals> Besides his obvious flaws in social skills, he is still my favorite fish as he follows me all around whenever I approach the tank. He is definitely a puppy of the sea. He is out playing all the time even though (as you have suggested) most others of his kind are inclined to hide. This fish is unique if not special in some ways and I feel very lucky to have him around. <Very good> I want to give a follow up on his cloudy eyes condition. As I have read though your posts about how it is better to feed saltwater fish with natural ocean foods, I went out shopping. I picked up some (raw) frozen bay scallops, market shrimps, whole squids and fresh saltwater fish fillets to feed him along with the larger fish in the tank on the selection of ground up meats over the next few days. His eye trouble clears up in a matter of days with no water change. He is looking much better then when I first got him from the LFS and every fish that ate the real ocean seafood seems to be much happier including the anemones. I toast <Heee... tossed> out the LFS's krill and silversides the next week as I feel that they are what have been causing the nutritional deficiency. The only thing I am feeding the fish now are brine shrimps and bloodworms as snacks for the smaller fish on top of the real seafood. Moreover, I can't believe how much cheaper real seafood is in comparison to processed fish foods. <Yes> What I paid for a small bag of processed krill is enough to buy a whole pound of bay scallops or raw shrimps. I guess the marketing folks have gotten into my head over the years that processed foods specifically designed for whatever animal is the best choice. <Well put> Now I can actually see the result for myself in just 1 week how saltwater fish can benefit from raw food from the sea. Frankly, I'll never go back to processed foods again. I also visited the Chicago Aquarium the other day and saw a couple of small pieces of raw scallops caught between the life rocks in one of the community tanks. I knew right then that I am definitely on the right track. Even the clown sweet lips (Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides) seem to be during well under this diet. Ok, it was an impulse buy as he is so cute. <Not easily kept though...> Of course, there is always trouble in the making that requires your expert advise. The bi-color angel turns out to be the devil after all. It has been nice for over a month as a newbie, but now he is attacking the dwarf lion and the baby sweet lips for no particular reason except to have a piece of their fins down to the spine. What is most aggravating is that he is very much well fed everyday. I've scared the angel fish around in trying to tamed his temperament with no luck. I also put a tank divider in the tank and he resumed his bad behavior after the divider was removed in a few days. <Mmm, have to be permanently separated> Nothing seems to work out. A few days ago as I was headed out to vacation, I dropped him off to the LFS before I leave to put him in (fish jail) isolation. My goal is to introduce him back into the main tank as a new fish without his bad attitude. We'll see how that turns out. What is your opinion on this? <Likely have to be left out permanently> The next thing I am thinking of is to introduce a flame angel (which I've always wanted) into the mist and thereby keeping the bi-colored angel in check Do you think this is a fair move? <Worth trying> Frankly, I have been so frustrated with the bi-angel that I basically took the whole tank apart just to get him out. Without having resulted to anyone being flushed down the toilet, do you have any suggestion in behavioral modification for a mean spirited problem child that is no angel? -Hosh <A much bigger tank... another tank, tankmates... Bob Fenner>

Night Abductions... Sick red African Star, also dwarf lionfish Scotter's go 7/27/06 Hello Bob, <Scott F. in for Bob tonight> I love your book and your wonderful website. You guys are keeping my fish alive! <Well, YOU are doing the hard part- we're just along for the ride!> Here are a few questions for you'¦ <Okay..> I have a two months old (relatively new) 55G reef setup and green and brown algae are starting to form. So I ran out and got a sea star to clean the tank. It turned out to be an (Protoreastor lincki) African or Horned Sea Star, which I don't know if it is reef safe. <Not really, IMO.. They can eat all sorts of sessile inverts.> I guess I may not have gone though the acclimation procedures long enough (30 min) when I put him in the tank. A few minutes after it went in, clear, slimy strings start to floats around it. The body goes from being totally smooth to slight sandpapery in texture. Although he changes shaped a little bit, he hasn't moved since I put him in the tank last night. I also tested the water in the bag after the fact, and it is at SG .018 and my tank water is at .023. Is it too drastic of a change for him? Although it is not moving, I can still see some wiggling tube feet coming out at the bottom of the star. Is he going to make it? <Potentially problematic...The environmental change may have been too drastic. This could be a response to extreme stress by the animal. Keeping environmental parameters stable is the best you can do right now.> My existing serpent star is doing great! Which sea star is right for cleaning algae in a reef tank? <I'd rely on snails for that job, myself.> Secondly, I have a 5' dwarf Fuzzy Lionfish (my sea puppy) which I just love. <Very endearing fish!> He is well fed (he eats anything I put in front of him) and doing very well except for a slightly clouded eye on one side. He never hides, always out in the open (day and night) playing power head surfing by zooming across the tank. Here is the problem; some of my other fish (over half its size) are disappearing one after another overnight. Two Maroon Clowns and three Damsels, along with a 3' Royal Gramma. There is no evidence that they ever get sick and died and turned into hermit crab's lunch. Yet, I can't be sure (and refuse to believe) that my cute little Lionfish could have eaten all these good sized fish. I have found nothing on the floor. Power head and filters are free of fish filets. Are we looking at a possible case of UFO fish abductions? <Before you call out Moulder and Skulley, I'd think that it is possible for this Lionfish to do some chomping on fishes that are a good percentage of his own size! You might also be looking at a Mantis Shrimp, crab, or other predatory live rock hitchhiker that comes out at night. Perhaps checking out the tank in the middle of the night could yield some evidence.> Thanks for your help! -Hosh <The truth is out there, Hosh...Keep searching! Regards, Scott F.>

Sick red African Star, also dwarf lionfish tankmate meals RMF's go 7/27/06 Hello Bob, <Hosh> I love your book and your wonderful website. You guys are keeping my fish alive! <Actually you are... am glad we can/help you> Here are a few questions for you'¦ I have a two months old (relatively new) 55G reef setup and green and brown algae are starting to form. So I ran out and got a sea star to clean the tank. <Mmm... Asteroids are not really "algae eaters"> It turned out to be an (Protoreastor lincki) African or Horned Sea Star, which I don't know if it is reef safe. <... Is not... and inappropriate for this sized system> I guess I may not have gone though the acclimation procedures long enough (30 min) when I put him in the tank. A few minutes after it went in, clear, slimy strings start to floats around it. The body goes from being totally smooth to slight sandpapery in texture. Although he changes shaped a little bit, he hasn't moved since I put him in the tank last night. <Echinoderms don't "like" chemical, physical changes in their world> I also tested the water in the bag after the fact, and it is at SG .018 and my tank water is at .023. <Yeeikes> Is it too drastic of a change for him? <Oh, yes> Although it is not moving, I can still see some wiggling tube feet coming out at the bottom of the star. Is he going to make it? <Doubtful for long here> My existing serpent star is doing great! Which sea star is right for cleaning algae in a reef tank? <None> Secondly, I have a 5' dwarf fuzzy lionfish (my sea puppy) which I just love. He is well fed (he eats anything I put in front of him) and doing very well except for a slightly clouded eye on one side. He never hides, always out in the open (day and night) playing power head surfing by zooming across the tank. Here is the problem; some of my other fish (over half its size) are disappearing one after another overnight. <Inhaled likely by this Lion> Two maroon clowns and three damsels, along with a 3' royal Gramma. There is no evident that they ever get sick and died and turned into hermit crabs lunch. Yet, I can't be sure (and refuse to believe) that my cute little lionfish could have eaten all these good sized fish. <Did do so most likely> I have found nothing on the floor. Power head and filters are free of fish filets. Are we looking at a possible case of UFO fish abductions? <Heeee! Just bigger, faster tankmates. Bob Fenner> Thanks for your help! -Hosh

New Marine Tank, Set-Up and Livestock ... Dwarf Lion comp.... AdamJ's go 7/6/06 Hi there, WWM crew, <Hey there Jeremy.> I've been a long time reader of the site, definitely one of, if not the best sites around, in my opinion...but on to the pressing issues. <Of course'¦'¦.of course.> I have a 55 gallon system set up, currently housing a single 1-1/2" Dendrochirus brachypterus, and a few hunks (about 7 or 8 pounds) of live rock, though I'm planning on adding more later on. <Be sure to cure and quarantine the rock in a separate receptacle since there is established livestock within the tank.> The substrate is a combination of 50 pounds of 'dead' sugar-fine sand, 20 pounds of Nature's Ocean live sand, and about a pound of sand from a friend's established reef. As far as filtration, I have both a Magnum 350 and a Fluval 404 canister filter, as well as a Coralife Super Skimmer rated for 65 gallons. <Not a fan at all of canisters'¦'¦especially on Marine Aquaria.> My questions are, 1. Is this sufficient filtration for this size system? I've read that sumps and the like are better as far as nitrates are concerned, <Sump is a just a fancy term from a down-current receptacle that is used to hide away equipment. Well if you cram it sense with bio-media that traps detritus it can be just as bad as a canister, that said if configured correctly, i.e., large protein skimmer, and macro-algae refugia (things that aid in nutrient control) sumps can be quite useful, not to mention the added water volume'¦there is much posted on WWM on ways of setting them up.> but I don't think I have the room under the tank, due to the stand I have; a sump for me would have to be right around 11" wide or so. <There are a few glass tanks that fit this configuration, not to mention custom/DIY acrylic jobs.> 2. I've heard that adding live rock to an established system can make it cycle again...should I worry about this a whole lot? <If it uncured yes a lot, and even if it is cured I recommend quarantining in a separate tank for a minimum of 30 days, you don't have to use another tank, a trash can or Rubbermaid container would do just as fine.> 3. Can I add another dwarf? Possibly a D. zebra? My LFS told me they don't fare as well as D. brachypterus, so I'm slightly wary of them. <Not to mention the size'¦these dwarfs are around 7-8' full-grown, I prefer tanks of 75 gallons+ for adults.> 4. Would you happen to know of a few interesting tankmates? I'd like something active and outgoing, like a tang or an angel, but I'm not sure what will be compatible with the dwarf lion(s). <The lion will limit you, not only being predatory but with it's adult size. Other ambush predators such as larger Hawkfish would work well. Most fish that I recommend for novices are either to small (because of the lion) or too large for your system.> Hardiness would definitely be a plus, this being my first venture into marine aquariums. Thanks, <Anytime.> Jeremy in CA <Adam also in SoCal.>

Few questions on D. brachypterus. Bob's try 7/6/06 Hi there, WWM crew, <Jeremy> I've been a long time reader of the site, definitely one of, if not the best sites around, in my opinion...but on to the pressing issues. <Okay!> I have a 55 gallon system set up, currently housing a single 1-1/2" Dendrochirus brachypterus, and a few hunks (about 7 or 8 pounds) of live rock, though I'm planning on adding more later on. The substrate is a combination of 50 pounds of 'dead' sugar-fine sand, 20 pounds of Nature's Ocean live sand, and about a pound of sand from a friend's established reef. As far as filtration, I have both a Magnum 350 and a Fluval 404 canister filter, as well as a Coralife Super Skimmer rated for 65 gallons. <Sounds good...> My questions are, 1. Is this sufficient filtration for this size system? <Mmm, for what you have thus far, yes. I'd be considering switching out the canister in the long/er run for something easier to maintain, with more capacity...> I've read that sumps and the like are better as far as nitrates are concerned, but I don't think I have the room under the tank, due to the stand I have; a sump for me would have to be right around 11" wide or so. <Could be done still...> 2. I've heard that adding live rock to an established system can make it cycle again... should I worry about this a whole lot? <Mmm, "thoughts w/o action are worthless"... I wouldn't worry, but I would plan, store all new LR in quarantine, to prevent such large/r recycling events> 3. Can I add another dwarf? Possibly a D. zebra? My LFS told me they don't fare as well as D. brachypterus, so I'm slightly wary of them. <Could add> 4. Would you happen to know of a few interesting tankmates? I'd like something active and outgoing, like a tang or an angel, <Mmm... perhaps one of the smaller Tang species... see WWM re "Selection" subFAQs files on the Family, Genera, species listed...), not a pomacanthid. The ones that would be small enough for this size tank would be eaten, the larger ones would pick on the Lion/s, die from psychological stress in too short a time> but I'm not sure what will be compatible with the dwarf lion(s). Hardiness would definitely be a plus, this being my first venture into marine aquariums. Thanks, Jeremy in CA <Keep reading, dreaming, compiling notes... you'll do fine. Bob Fenner>

Re: Few questions on D. brachypterus 7/8/06 Hey again, <Howdy> Thanks for such a prompt response, from both Adam and Mr. Fenner. I probably will go the sump/refugium route (I've already drafted plans for one), most likely with Chaetomorpha as a nutrient export, as Caulerpa is illegal here in California, from what I'm told. <Yes... and sounds good> I did have a few further questions about additional livestock... I read up on the Longnose Butterflies, genus Forcipiger, and was wondering if one of either F. flavissimus or F. longirostris would be suitable for my system, with or without the additional dwarf. <Mmm, well, could use more space, but would likely go starting with a "medium sized" specimen initially (body length 3, 3 1/2")> Also, considering that there's not much the lion(s) won't eat, are there any interesting invertebrates that would do well in the system? <Mmm, most anything larger than mouth size that will in turn leave them alone... some examples posted on WWM... both Lion and Dwarf Lion Compatibility FAQs files> Thanks again, Jeremy (btw...that's NorCal, Adam ;) <Welcome. Bob Fenner>

Dwarf Lionfish Compatibility etc., Clownfish behavior - 01/23/2006 Dear Mr. Fenner, I have a 29 gal. well established eclipse tank that was recently given to me by my neighbor. Two angelfish dwarf angels came along with it. A Bicolor and a Coral Beauty. My neighbor had both of these fish for over a year, and they are very healthy. <Nevertheless, these are incompatible here> I am planning on putting a dwarf lion in it.
<Not a good idea... too easy for this sized system to become "unbalanced" with such fish/es> My question is, will the lionfish outgrow the angels. I'm not really worried about it outgrowing the Bicolor as it is already 4" but the Coral Beauty is only 3". The two Lions I'm looking at are the Fuzzy Dwarf (Dendrochirus brachypterus) and the Zebra Lionfish (D. zebra) My LFS gets in ones that are about 3-5" so I'm not worried any problems right away. When I was searching the Internet I couldn't find anything had definitely that a Coral Beauty would be safe. <Would be in an adequately sized system... at least twice what you have here> The Bicolor is eventually going to move into a larger system. I was wondering which lion you would recommend as to color ease of keeping etc. <Mmm, likely the Zebra... simply for looks...> They both are about the same price and availability at my LFS so that isn't an issue. Unfortunately my LFS is a NSLLFS (not so local, local fish store) and is the only place around that sells live food to get it eating. I was wondering if live food is necessary to get them eating. <Sometimes, yes> Ok that's it for the lionfish questions. Now for just one more question. I also have a 20 gal. Nano reef (which I have written to you about before) with 3 Ocellaris Clowns which until recently were getting along great and one Yellow-tailed Blue Damselfish. <... too crowded> Amazingly the damsel isn't the problem, it's the clowns. I had two of them that were getting along fine and then the same neighbor gave us a new one which was in her tank. The new one has been in there for about 2 months. At first the larger of the two original clowns was bullying the new one, the new one is slightly larger but they are very close in size, both are about 1.5" ) then the tables turned about a week ago. Now the newer one has scared the other large one into hiding 24/7 or at least 12/7. The third one, the littlest one is only 1" doesn't bother anyone (and isn't bothered). I have been no serious injury's to either one just a few nipped fins and perhaps a few missing scales but nothing serious. <You will...> I think part of the problem may be that they are both females ( I think). <Highly unlikely> Will they ever stop fighting with each other and get along or should I remove one of them to another tank (or take it back to the LFS) Even though there have been no serious injuries I am worried that it may die of stress/starvation. Thanks for you're help MDM

6 Inch Lion Fish in a 10 Gallon Tank, I needn't say more 12/16/05 Hi Bob here, <Hi Bob. This is Adam helping you out tonight.> Your website has been a great source over the years and honestly this is the first time I've had to email but I need help. <Okay, I'll see what I can do.> (Spike) my 6" fuzzy lion has not been doing well lately. <Sorry to hear that.> I have had him in a 10 gallon <'10 gallons,' Ahem'¦is this a typo? An animals of this size and waste output should be in a tank of at least 75 gallons, well skimmed and lots of water flow. Putting an animal of this size in a 10 gallon tank is like asking you to live in your closet with no restroom.> for 2 years now and he has always done well I also feed him silversides every other day. Recently he has started breathing real fast, has white spots all over, his eyes are cloudy, and he doesn't move much. <The white spots are indicative of Cryptocaryon irritans, as for the heavy breathing and cloudy eyes this is indicative of poor water quality. I'm willing to bet all my Tridacnids (and I don't do that) , that this tank has some SERIOUS problems, concerning ammonia and various nutrients to say the least.> WHAT DO I DO? <50% water changes, several, at least 3 to 4 over the next week, and upgrade or sadly part with Spike ASAP.> all these things just happened overnight. I really want to help my little spike. Help PLS, BOB <Adam J.>

Mixing, matching Dwarf Lions 12/16/05 Hi Ryan here again, I have been debating now and have decided to get a fuzzy lion. I would just like to know for future tanks is it best to mix two different lions or one type ex. (fuzzy with Fu Man Chu versus 2 Fuzzies?) <Mmm, do mix pretty well, but ones of the same species do appear to associate more closely (in the wild)> I would also like to know what other Scorpionfish you would recommend to go in the tank because I have now chosen to put only them in. I am still reading all the info on WWM and am still only about a quarter the way through. <Takes a good long while> I would also like to know the best way to keep the tank clean I have a 100 gallon and 2 Millennium 3000 filters and a skimmer on the way, but any other items that would keep it as safe as possible for my little guy would be wonderful. Fish friend in need, Ryan <Keep reading. Bob Fenner>

Lionfish, mixing 12/17/05 Hi, Ryan here again,
<Hello Ryan> I have been debating now and have decided to get a fuzzy lion. I would just like to know for future tanks is it best to mix two different lions or one type ex. (fuzzy with Fu Man Chu versus 2 Fuzzies?) I would also like to know what other Scorpionfish you would recommend to go in the tank because I have now chosen to put only them in. I would also like to know the best way to keep the tank clean I have a 100 gallon and 2 millennium 3000 filters and a skimmer on the way, what other items would I need keep it as safe as possible for my little guy? <Ryan, provided they have plenty of swimming room, lionfish are not aggressive toward each other so I don't believe you would encounter any problems in mixing provided the fuzzy isn't bite size. In your 100 gallon tank you could put three of the Pterois specie in but that would be the max as they can grow 8 to 9 inches. There are several different Pterois so one of each would make a nice display. The smaller lions tend to hang around the bottom whereas the larger (Pterois) lionfish tend to favor the mid level of the tank and always cruising. Lionfish are generous waste producers so a very efficient mechanical filter is a must. I'm not so sure two Millenniums is going to do the trick especially if you are going to use the BioGrid plates in them as your biological filter. I would be thinking more along the lines of a sump with biological filtration media installed. Filter pads must be changed/cleaned on a weekly basis. Activated carbon is also recommended along with weekly 10% water changes. I'm going to post a link here that you should read. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/lions&rels.htm James (Salty Dog)>

Minimum tank size for a dwarf lionfish 8/6/05 I bought a 24 Gal Nano Cube that I was going to have for Saltwater. The only thing I want in there is a fuzzy dwarf lion fish.
< That is a very small tank. But if you plan to have one and only one fish, you may be okay. >
I have been getting mixed opinions on if the tank is to small and I've decided to ask the experts!
< Well that is a tough call. Personally I wouldn't do it, but I think it can easily be done. >
Would this size tank be fine for him/her? I lied. I also want a yellowhead Jawfish. Would they be fine together?
< Fine together, and probably okay in that size tank. Too bad you already made the purchase, as a 55 gal would be much better. > < Blundell >

Dwarf lionfish questions 7/28/05 I have a well-established 46 gallon tank. Currently I have 2 Percula Clowns, 1 Chocolate Chip starfish and a Coral Banded Shrimp (approx. 2 inches long).
< Sounds like a barren tank, and mostly a FOWLR. >
I am interested in getting a Dwarf Lionfish but am concerned about its compatibility.
< Well I think you should be okay. I've seen a few of them in tanks with coral banded shrimp and clownfish. I don't think I would buy the biggest dwarf lion and keep it with baby clownfish, but in general I think this sounds fine. >
How large does a Dwarf Lionfish grow to be and would it harm or eat any of my current fish?
< Grow to about 5 inches, and if well fed with a variety of frozen foods it should be worry free. >
Thanks Mark < Blundell > <<Sooner or later he'll suck'em up brah. RMF>>

FAQ daily question that was asked 8/7/05 Minimum tank size for a dwarf lionfish 8/6/05 I bought a 24 Gal Nano Cube that I was going to have for Saltwater. The only thing I want in there is a fuzzy dwarf lion fish.
< That is a very small tank. But if you plan to have one and only one fish, you may be okay. >
I have been getting mixed opinions on if the tank is to small and I've decided to ask the experts!
< Well that is a tough call. Personally I wouldn't do it, but I think it can easily be done. >
Would this size tank be fine for him/her? I lied. I also want a yellowhead Jawfish. Would they be fine together?
< Fine together, and probably okay in that size tank. Too bad you already made the purchase, as a 55 gal would be much better. > This was posted on the FAQ, in my limited understanding, wouldn't' a Jawfish either stay in its burrow in this tank or be food for the lion. <Yes> I'm just picturing that small a tank, that as soon as Jawfish pokes its head out, it would be gone. Plus if you make a sandbed adequately deep enough for that jaw, you wouldn't have enough room for the lion to swim about? <Hee! We are in agreement... totally. Bob Fenner> Blundell is far more knowledgeable than I, but thought this response odd.

Re: FAQ daily question that was asked 08/08/2005 You both may certainly be correct. I wouldn't think a dwarf lion would take out a Jawfish. But I guess it may. <Will... definitely, in time. Dang Pteroines should be called "suck-em-ups" commonly> Although I do agree that this size tank is just way too small. The fish may live and grow, but that just can't be a happy life for them. Blundell <Mmm, okay. BobF>

Teeny Tiny Lion 06/16/03 Hey guys! <Just guy, PF here with you today> I just bought a tiny (1 1/4" at the most) Fuzzy Dwarf Lion. I was wondering what the best foodstuffs to start him on would be. and what options do I have if this little guy doesn't eat prepared foods? I checked FAQ and there was little info on this small of lion. <Well JB, have you read here? http://www.wetwebmedia.com/lions&rels.htm You could start him on small feeder guppies if he's reluctant to eat something much better, such as Mysis shrimp.> Thanks JB Tank info 30 gal hex ECCO Canister 12 lbs Live rock 2 Green Chromis Fuzzy Dwarf

Lionfish taxonomy Dear crew: I have perused everything on this site that I can find, and Dr. Marini's articles on reefkeeper.com, and I remain baffled, hoping you can shed some light. I'm trying to identify a fish by species, and having difficulty. I am sorry that I can't forward digital pictures, and am hoping that a gross physical description might be a purposeful place to start. <Not likely> A local fish store has a variant of dwarf lion that seems not to fit with what I can find in descriptions of species. When asked, employees could only report that it had been taken in trade, and had been in the store for some time. Anecdotally, one of them thought it might have originally come from Florida, though that could just as easily have been the locus of the collector/aquarist. When queried about the species, they generalized it to be a fuzzy dwarf. <There are many scorpaenoid fishes called "dwarf lions", not all are Pteroines...> The critter in question most generally seems to be brachypterus, but not quite. The pectoral fins have the characteristic shape reminiscent of the sail on a Chinese junk, and are webbed almost to the end of the spines. Body shape [about 4"], coloration, and fin profile are generally consistent, but there are a few significant departures. It lacks the "moustache" protuberances at the corners of the mouth, and has no noticeable "horns" above the eyes. There are bumps of tissue along the lateral line, again consistent with brachypterus, but most noticeably there are no "flags" of tissue at the ends of the dorsal spines as both of my Fuzzies have. Finally, while every fuzzy I have seen has blue eyes, the eyes of this fish have a bright orange outer circle, with a center that is a deep green/black [like a Tahitian black pearl]. My best guess is that it's actually a barberi. Can you suggest any definitive characteristics that I can look for to identify it more definitively? Am I overlooking the obvious, and can you tell me what I should have figured out on my own? <Mmm, you might peruse the linked references for these species, genera on fishbase.org or make a trip to a large college library for a computer searched bibliography... There is variation in the Brachypterus mentioned... color and appendages-wise... Bob Fenner> Looking forward to your suggestions, Rick Walters

- Dwarf Lion Questions - I have fuzzy dwarf lionfish who shows no interest in any food except Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and ghost shrimp. <Ghost shrimp and Mysis shrimp are fine - nothing to worry about here.> I have tried krill, goldfish, saltwater guppies and Tubifex worms but has shown no interest in them. <Would keep up with the krill but would not offer "feeder" fish - these will affect the long term survivability of your lionfish. As for the Tubifex worms - these are not marine in origin and I've seen very few marine fish, let alone lionfish that will eat them.> Well do you recommend all my levels are all where they should be. <Think you're doing fine - you might want to offer the krill on the end of a feeding stick - waggle in front of its face... but the Mysis and ghost shrimp are certainly suitable foods.> My fuzzy also turns a creamy color every once in a while, is this rare or a problem? <This is neither rare nor a problem. Cheers, J -- >

When a Lionfish Does What a Lionfish Does.. >Hello all. >>Hello one. >I've Googled, and found no answer. >>At least you made the effort. >Yesterday I brought home a beautiful little fuzzy dwarf lion, who is the first occupant of my 75 gallon tank [along with 40 pounds of very crusty live rock]. >>Of all the things that should or should not be crusty, rock that is live, and bread. >After recovering from the stress of the trip, he adjusted well, and even took a ghost shrimp for an evening snack. After lights out, he cruised the tank for several hours, getting to know the neighborhood. >>Alright. >Since this morning, though, he has spent the entire day perched on one of my heaters. I have not been able to find any information relating stress or transition to a need for additional warmth. I checked the temperature of the tank, and it's 76.8 F in the center of the tank, as well as at the front wall [measured 6" under the surface]. I have read that lions tolerate temperatures between 72 and 78 well, so I think I'm in the ballpark. Should I just chalk this up to WTTFJD [weird things that fish just do]? >>Oh, no, not at all. This isn't weird in the least, either. This *is* what Lionfishes, especially dwarf lions, do. Simple as that. Marina

When a Lionfish Does What a Lionfish Does - II >Marina, >>Hello Rick. >Thanks for your reassurance. I have learned some hard lessons with smaller tanks [harder for the fish than for me, I suppose]. I want so much for this tank to succeed that I might be overly fretful, and apt to turn molehills into mountains. After some further introspection, I suppose I was the same way with the first of my children. >>Better to be safe, yeah? >I came home tonight from a concert to find said little fuzzy guy cruising energetically, displaying for his reflection. I enjoyed having a nightcap and watching him being so active out in the open, illuminated by the moonlight LED's with the room otherwise dark. I'm thinking that such moments are the real reason we go to such effort to do this. >>For those who get into the hobby in the first place, absolutely. For those who are "bitten", it can go far beyond that. >Thanks again, Rick Walters >>You're most welcome, and I'm glad you can now enjoy your new fish. Marina

Fuzzy dwarf lion fish - cloudy eyes Hi crew! I have a fuzzy that has cloudy eyes. <Both...> I noticed it during his stay in the q-tank. Have read all I could and it seems common with lion fish. <Yes> I thought it would go away once he would be in the display. I have good water parameters . I know feeders are bad. I have never been able to feed him anything but small live freshwater fish. <A problem... at least a co-factor here> The LFS around here don't carry grass shrimp. I carefully inject the feeders with Selcon one day and the next with Vit-a-boost . <Wow!> I have tried shrimp on a stick, and he went for it once but bit into the stick and now seems to fear both. It's been about a month and I don't think it's getting all that much better. Is there anything else I could do to help? <Order other foods... through the Net... there are many companies, etailers that offer these... and cultures, populations that aren't hard... are even fun to grow yourself> What are silversides everybody mentions? <... a group of fishes... use your search tools> I could get him to eat small dead marine fish, but where would I get those? Is the Selcon and Vit-a-boost + guppies ok or? I really like my fuzzy, they are really cool. P.S. Can't wait for IMAC. <I suspect something more... bigger is at play here than just a nutritional component... Do check your water quality, and practices of using "supplements"... I am fully guessing that your fish's problem almost directly stems from environmental influence/s. Bob Fenner>

Cloudy Eyed Dwarf Lion Hello.. AGAIN I have a fuzzy dwarf lionfish that has extremely cloudy eyes. He is in a 125, and I am doing about a 30-35 gallon water change. Any tips? <Keep up with the water changes and perhaps try using Epsom salt, 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons.> Should I worry? <It depends on the cause. It is usually because of some sort of physical damage and easily reversible. On the other hand, some lionfish will develop what appears similar to cataracts. This is usually associated with a poor diet. Do search www.WetWebMedia.com for cloudy eye for additional information. -Steven Pro>

Sick Lion Hello, I have a fuzzy dwarf lion that I have raised from about an inch long to maybe 4 inches over the past year. It has always been a good eater and active. About two weeks ago it stopped feeding and has taken up residence in one location which it seems loath to move from. There are no other signs of a problem - color and respirations seem normal etc. All other tank mates are in good shape with no off behavior. Do you have any idea what could be the problem?? <yes... often, aquarists allow themselves to be trained to feed only one or two types of food to such fishes like thawed frozen silversides or worse(!) live freshwater feeder fish. If this is the case with yours (as it is with so many expressing these symptoms), then your fish is suffering from a dietary deficiency. Do research gut-loading techniques for live prey if you feel you must use live food or simply feed a greater variety of thawed frozen foods. Most lions fed feeder guppies, minnows or goldfish, for example, categorically die within 12-18 months because of it.> thanks, Steve Browne
<best regards, Anthony>

EMERGENCY! with Dwarf Lion Hi Robert! <Hello Jason> Please don't refer me to FAQ , because I found nothing under the Links to my problem. Although I will go over them as again as soon as I send you this! <Okay> I need experience help with a problem that has been diagnosed as internal bacterial infection in my almost full grown Fuzzy Dwarf Lion. This morning I noticed him swimming around with what appeared to be two grape size pink balls of fleshy stuff protruding out the anal area. I thought he was trying to pass some krill that I feed all my fish. By the late noon it was obvious this was not the case. He seems agitated as he swam about the tank looking for a place to get comfortable. He usually stays in one spot most the day and feeds every day except today. <Mmm, you likely "know" that such infections are largely environmental and nutritional in cause... hopefully you will give clues in both departments... that is, what sort of set-up, history, water-quality tests you have... and the types, frequency of feeding.> I made some calls to a LFS and they made calls to find info for problem. They contacted this pro fish guy. and before they could finish describing the problem, he says it was an internal intestinal infection possibly by feeding live foods. I do feed live guppies and ghost shrimp mixed in with a very varied nutritious diet to all my fish. Some times a few dead guys are in the net with the living. <This should be okay...> Water conditions are perfect, I have 10 other fish with no problems! <Mmm, "perfect"... is a subjective evaluation... what "are" the readings? You understand... what may be "perfect" to some is flawed to others> This guy said the fish has a 50% chance of making it and don't feed him anything for 3 weeks. He also said the swelling should go down and the protruding intestine will shrink back. If it is an intestine? <Not feeding may be a sound approach here. There are folks who would advise dipping/bathing in Furacyn compound laden water... isolating in a darkened quarantine/treatment tank> I'm not 100% sure. The LFS said to add Melafix to the water to help. so I did. I hope someone has dealt with this problem before. I feel I need to give him some type of internal medication in a food, and try to get him to eat it some how. Any ideas????? I don't want to lose this guy! I've had him for more than a year and bought him when he was about the size of pen cap. <No problem on waiting on the feeding for several days to see if the reddening lessens. Do consider the separate tank and fifteen minute baths in 250 mg. to a gallon or so of Nitrofurazone as well. These are sturdy species once adjusted to captive conditions, with remarkable "powers of regeneration/self-curing". I hope that yours rallies. Bob Fenner> Thanks for any info. Jason Toemmes
I will post a pic if this will help!

Dwarf Lion I would agree with you on the fact that a fuzzy dwarf is a sturdy species. Unfortunately he did not make it. He passed on today and I'm very upset. I never had a fish go so quickly. I figured it would have been less stressful NOT to move him into a q-tank. I figured wrong because all the other little vampires in my tank decided to nip away at his fins all night. I moved him into the q tank this morning where he later died. <Sorry to read of, realize your loss> My water quality is to my knowledge in the norm. PH is 8.2, Ammonia is 0, Nitrite is 0 Nitrate is 30 ppm the salinity is at 1.017 <Mmm, the nitrate is a bit high... and I strongly suggest moving your Spg nearer to near seawater conditions... 1.025 or so... Can't state to what degree these two variables were detrimental here, but do know that Lionfishes of all species are sensitive to ongoing low specific gravity, nitrates> in a 125 gallon setup with 40 watt UV and protein skimmer. I use carbon in the sump. I change the water monthly depending on nitrate readings. <Good regimen... I would look to other methods of nitrate removal and make the changes biweekly. Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/nitratesmar.htm> I top with RO water only. I feed frozen krill and Mysis with Angel formula and Prime Reef, every day, once a day with Selcon, and I add calcium and trace minerals about 2 times a week. I feed 4 - 6 live guppies or ghost at a feeding with other stuff already mentioned about 3 times a week. Some times a sprinkle spectrum pellets for a change. The lion didn't touch that. Maybe this pic will tell you some thing! http://www.logos-and-graphics.com/lion.jpg <A prolapsed G.I.... the specimen bloated... a good image, but nothing to denote root cause of death. There may well have been some sort of internal complaint largely at play here... and nothing anyone could much do to forestall this animals death.> Thanks for response, Jason <And your involvement. Bob Fenner>

Lionfish <Hi Doron, PF here. Wish it were happier circumstances you were writing about.> I recently introduced a Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish into my 29 gallon FO tank. My saline is 1.022-1.023, nitrate 0, amm .5, pH 8.2, water temp 78. <Good parameters.> For the first two days he seemed fine, a week later he appears to be lighter in color, and slightly breathing harder, he also floats up to the top and tilts his head slightly.
<I'm afraid that sounds like cyanide poisoning: Per Anthony, the symptoms include unusually stark color in fishes, normal feeding behavior, sudden loss of appetite and then death with gills flared and pale in color (light pink or white... not red). I hope it's not, but looking it over'¦ I'm afraid if that is the case, there's nothing you can do for the poor thing.>
<<Mmm, I've never known Pteroines to be cyanided... costs money and it's unnecessary... What are they going to do when you try to net them? Swim away? RMF>> The rest of my fish seems fine, Niger Trigger, puffer, SF moray eel but behavior is weird. His first feeding of minnows
<Feeding fresh water fish to marine organisms is a bad idea. The nutrients are all wrong, and it shortens their life spans. If your little lion makes it, wean him off the live food and onto things such as krill, small strips of fish, etc. You should be feeding all your animals that way> , he ate with no problem, now he just stares at them. I feel water quality may be an issue, pls. comment pls. Also since introducing the Lionfish my SF moray eel has been hanging upside down on the heater, and at exactly 10am since the Lionfish has moved in, he swims in circles non-stop for 15minutes???
< I think that may be because of the crowding, that's a lot of fish for such a small tank. I would recommend you upgrade to a bigger tank. Triggers are notoriously aggressive and I'd hate to have us get a letter about your tank mates snacking on each other.> Pls. help! Doron <I'm not sure there's anything we can do to help Doron, hopefully your fish will pull through. Good luck, PF>

Hunger Strike Hey Guys! <cheers!> Just to start.. I'd like to say this is a great website and has awesome features like this one. Question: I have a 125 gallon. In it is a Fuzzy Dwarf Lion, Tiny Niger Trigger, and various damsels. Recently, the lion went on a "hunger strike". It started Wednesday night. He didn't eat anything. Thursday, all he had was a little prawn head, Friday he didn't eat, and Saturday he had a small prawn head. What is that all about? I even tied a prawn to a piece of rope. He didn't even look at it. Think its just a phase? <indeed they can go quite a while without food (several weeks), but it is not acceptable of course. Depends on age in captivity, recent changes to water quality, previous diet. Do verify water quality and use live ghost shrimp if necessary to entice>

Fuzzy dwarf lionfish Hello,<Hey Jon, Phil here!> I have read your FAQs and got a lot of great info. I have two fuzzy dwarf lions that love to eat M.Y.S.I.S shrimp. They are very high protein frozen food. have you heard of them?<Oh ya.. I feed them to my fish.> Is this enough for my fish to thrive. They don't seem interested in anything else.< Try silversides, I have yet to find a lionfish that won't eat silverside strips.> Thank you <No problem!!> Jon Kerr

- Dwarf Lion on a Hunger Strike - HI
<And hello to you, JasonC here...>
I'll keep it short I'm sure you guys get a lot of questions. My son's Fussy Dwarf Lion is sitting on the bottom and has stopped eating for about three days. He was eating brine shrimp, I tried krill but he wouldn't take any. He seemed to want the brine shrimp while it was still in a chunk floating down the tank. The tank is a 35 gallon and there is just the Lion and a orange tail damsel in it. We have had trouble with high nitrates from the start, but it seemed the fish had adjusted to it. I did a 10 gallon water change this morning and the nitrates have dropped. The Damsel is active and eating fine. Overall the Lion seems more lethargic than normal and off course is not eating. Can I try something else, different food, raise the salinity etc.?
<I think you are on the right track with the krill, or really any meaty seafood - in fact anything but brine shrimp or live feeders is recommended for these fish. Best way to offer these foods is on a 'feeding stick' and waggle the food item around in front of their face. Works even better once they're hungry. It's not uncommon at all for a lion to stop eating for a little while. Here's some additional reading for you: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/lions&rels.htm and that get's you in the reading mood, read all the FAQs attached to that article. Much useful information there.> Thank you for your time George Hill <Cheers, J -- >

Lion Practices Non-Violent Disobedience? Hello!
<Hi! Ryan Bowen with you>
I've read all the emails asking about training a Fuzzy Dwarf Lion to eat frozen, but none of them really say what to do if he still refuses to eat. I bought a baby (about 2") Fuzzy Dwarf 10 days ago and I've not seen him eat anything. He won't eat the brine or the Mysis shrimp, and refused my offerings of silversides and krill. I wiggle them in front of him and he turns away. He is starting to lose color and I'm worried! He seems healthy otherwise and the LFS claims he was eating frozen silversides. He shows some interest in the hermits but not in the food. <I would get some live brine shrimp, soak them in a little Selcon. It's better than nothing, and you've got to get something in him quickly. If not, even a few feeder guppies may work, but are not ideal. Are there other fish in the tank that eat what is on his menu? It may help. Chopped clams are a good food to get picky eaters eating.> I also have a Banded Eel that is a real piggy. He even ate the first day in his new home! How often should I feed him and how much?? He is about 7" long, is it possible he ate my 1" yellow tail damsel that recently vanished?? <Not possible, certain. You can feed him twice a week or so, and vary his diet as much as possible.> Thanks so much for your help! Your site is amazing! <Thank you for being a part of it. Good luck, Ryan> Dayna

Update on non-eating Fuzzy Dwarf Well he's eating now, Mysis and brine shrimp. He swallowed a good sized chunk of krill yesterday but spit it out a few minutes later so I guess he didn't like it. He won't touch silversides which is odd. Apparently the reason he hadn't been eating is that he was living off the three damsels I had cycled the tank with!
<that's good to hear>
They each disappeared a day or two apart, but I thought my Banded Eel, Bronson, had eaten them. Now I am sure Fluffy was the culprit., ya> I knew they would be Fluffy food later on, thought he was too small to eat them yet. Live and learn! He hasn't touched the Pajama Cardinal and left my Saddleback Toby alone, but the Toby died suddenly Sunday night. :( It was very sad and for no apparent reason. He was fine, swimming around and eating well and 20 minutes later I looked in and he was dead.<that is horrible :(> I am considering getting a Scooter Blenny, will Fluffy eat him too? Or Bronson? Or should I get another Toby?? Dayna

Reef Lionfish Questions <Hi, MikeD here> I have two quick questions for the fantastic crew at WWM today :)
<wow! Gee thanks!>
I recently purchased a new juvenile dwarf fuzzy lion he is only about 2 inches in length and has been in my tank for about a week now...The first night he was there he had no problem eating an already resident peppermint shrimp, however he has not eaten anything since. There is one other live peppermint in there but he is yet to catch it, I tried feeding him frozen silversides on a string but they seemed too big for him, broke them up and he wasn't interested. What are my other options here for feeding him and what can I use as a feeder stick or something since I think he is scared almost of the string ?
<This is a rather common occurrence as Dwarf Fuzzy Lions in the wild are highly specialized crustacean predators with stomach analysis showing an extremely high preference for small shrimp and crabs. The small ghost shrimp offered as feeders in many LFS will work as a first food initially and from there it's often a process of gradually switching them over to frozen krill. Those dropped into the water in front of the return current often "shoot" fast enough to trigger a feeding response. Feeding sticks and such CAN be tricky with these as they are very shy and cautious. I've had some success using household sewing thread and a small/fine needle, impaling the food and dangling it in front of the lionfish. You're also correct about the silversides being too large for a juvenile dwarf Fuzzy....many people cut lengthwise through the head so as to end up with a 1/2" piece containing the eyes initially> Also I was wondering what corals and such dwarf fuzzy's would be encountering in the wild? I have 192 watts of PC lighting over my reef tank currently only a frogspawn and daisy polyps in there with him, both are frags and very small...I wanted to recreate a natural habitat for him as he gets this reef all to himself. I have searched around for the natural environment for these types of lions but am yet to find much info...where can I find this or what corals would be found in his natural surroundings?
<This is another tricky area and a good caution as well. Make sure he has somewhere to hide out of the lights, such as a cave or two. The Lionfish are largely nocturnal and MH lighting is suspected in cases of blindness. The only way to get an approximation on corals is to check the range and depth preference of Fuzzy Dwarfs, then try to find books that list natural origins for coral species. Dive sites are often excellent sources for this type of information>
Thanks much James

Feeding Dwarf Fuzzy Lionfish: How much & How often Hello Crew, <Greg> I just bought a great looking Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish named Fozzy two days ago. On the second day, I purchased six live Ghost Shrimp, Frozen Silversides, and frozen Mysis Shrimp. I'm, also, planning on buying some frozen Krill if Lionfish like them. I fed Fozzy 5 of the live Ghost Shrimp, which he ate very quickly. He, also, reluctantly took 2 small frozen Mysids soaked in garlic. Was this too much food in one day? <Yes, likely> Anyways, I'm not too sure on how much to give Fozzy in one feeding, and how many times a week I should feed him. He is in a 70 gallon FOWLR with a Coral Beauty Angelfish and a Cinnamon Clownfish. The water is usually between 80-84 degrees F. Thanks a lot crew, Greg <I would feed this specimen every other day... and look to its "fullness" as the best indication of how much it should be getting. Take care not to "feed it till it busts", looks bulging... as MANY more lionfish and their kin are killed from too much food than any other cause. Your selection of foodstuffs sounds very good. Bob Fenner>

Feeding a dwarf lion Hi guys: Thanks for the advice, I have made a number of good friends at the LFS and based on the size of some of the Clowns I've seen in their tanks (as big as Shaq's hand!) I'm assuming I will have to upgrade the 36 again in the future. With that said, knowing my interest in adding a lion, the owner of the shop got me a truly incredible yellow dwarf lion. He is a beauty! However, based on your advice, I expressed my concern to him about adding him to my tank. The workers at the store being familiar with my tank and my clown thought he would work well in my set-up. Of course, there was an mutual understanding that I would "immediately" return the lion if the clown began to show any aggression. The good news is, the lion has been in the tank for a couple of weeks now and neither the clown or the hawk could care less. Indeed, he seems to have adapted perfectly. So, what's the problem? Well actually there isn't one yet, just a quick question. I've poured over your FAQs and have learned a great deal about feeding lions. In particular you always seem to say that starting out with ghost shrimp is fine, but that you should wean them frozen food as soon as possible. Living in Florida, I have pretty good access ghost shrimp. Would a constant diet of ghost shrimp supplemented with small live bait shrimp or peppermint shrimp have long-term detrimental effects on the lion? In other words, if I can maintain a steady diet of live foods, is there any real reason to shift to frozen? Thanks in advance for your advise. You guys are great! Gary >>>Hey Gary, You will be fine, but VARY the diet as much as possible. Also, freeze the live food for a time before giving to your fish. Parasite introduction is a danger otherwise. So, one way or the other, you need to stick with frozen items, whether you purchase them that way, or catch them yourself then freeze after. Jim<<<

Compatibility Hi there, I read over your Scorpionfish and Waspfish FAQs and websites and had a few further questions. I am setting up a new tank and was just wondering your impressions of compatibility with a Leaffish ( Taenionotus triacanthus) or a Waspfish ( Ablabys taenionotus) of the following (not necessarily all together in the same tank--just trying to find out for each individual species): Valentini Puffer ( Canthigaster valentini) Flame Angel ( Centropyge loricula) Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish (Dendrochirus brachypterus) Long-nosed Butterflyfish ( Forcipiger flavissimus) Long-nosed Hawkfish (Oxycirrhites typus) Are the toxins in the Leaffish and Waspfish closer to the lionfish or the stonefish in strength (I don't mind venomous animals but I don't want anything that can kill me -- just in case)? <As venomous as Scorpaeninae/Lions is what I've read> Also, what is the best way to train fish for frozen or prepared foods over live foods? <Please see here re: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/goldfshfd.htm and the FAQs linked beyond> Thanks for all your help, Erik Jorvig <You're welcome. Bob Fenner>

Quick questions on lions hi!
<Howdy, Cody here today!>
thanks for the info on the lions. iv got a couple questions though, as I'm about to get my lion! (hopefully pretty soon :D) I'm debating between a dwarf fuzzy or a dwarf zebra. which one of the 2 will swim around more ? out in the open ?
<Neither will be very active and would probably be out about the same amount of time.> iv only got a 40G tank. & wanted to know what other fish would u suggest that I could have with the lion ? iv read up in the lionfish compatibility FAQs, but still don't know what would be best ? it would be Great if u could name some possibilities. (my tank kind of limits me to what I can add in with a lion) would a Tomatoe clown or any clown of any sort be ok ? what about a hawk fish ?
<The clown and hawk should be ok as long as they can't fit in the lions mouth! For a hawk I would suggest either the long nose or the arc eye. You might also try a dwarf puffer such as the blue spot for a tank mate. Cody> thanks Heaps !! Shaun

Dwarf Lionfish Questions Right now I have Volitans lionfish in my 150 gallon tank...any problem if its a male Volitans and a male dwarf? <Not usually. The dwarf Fuzzy lionfish (Dendrochirus brachypterus) is the only one that I'm aware of in which two males will consistently fight, with sex often being difficult to determine in the P. Volitans.> Also Let me know what you recommend for a dwarf. A short fin? A Fu Man Chu? etc.....tell me which one you find the best for home aquaria.
<In my experience, the Fuzzy Dwarf listed above is both the easiest to maintain and the hardiest, with the Fu Manchu often being among the hardest to convert over to non-living foods as well as being completely intolerant of others of its own kind. The P. russellii is, in my opinion, the easiest of all the lions to keep and somewhat smaller than the P. Volitans at about 12" when mature yet still mixing well with its larger and smaller relatives. You may want to consider one or two of the more traditional medium Scorpionfish as well, as they are also compatible, often quite colorful and remaining on the bottom, thus not competing for the same tank areas.....I have a False Stonefish (S. diabola), a New Guinea Scorpion (S. papuanensis) and a Barbfish (S. brasiliensis) all housed with lions and doing famously. It never ceases to amaze me that some of these decidedly predatory species are among the least territorial in the hobby with some actually appearing to form actual "friendships", seeking each other out for company. For added variety, the morays of the genus Echidna and Zebra morays also frequently fit in with no disputes of any kind. A Lionfish/Moray tank ALWAYS gets amazement and attention, yet is surprisingly easy.> Thanks Derik

Dwarf Fuzzy Lionfish Compatibility Hi, I'm Nick and I'm twelve and my dad and I have a 55 gallon salt water tank and we were thinking of adding a dwarf fuzzy lionfish. We currently have a tomato clown w/a rose anemone, a yellow tang, a scooter blenny, a lawnmower blenny (approx. 5" long), 7 or so turbo snails, 2 black neon gobies, 2 Firefish gobies, a feather duster, an arc-eyed Hawkfish, a Dottyback, a red flame scallop, 5 tiny blue leg hermit crabs, green hair algae, and about 20 lbs. of live rock, all happy and doing fine. We're planning to add another 35 lbs. of live rock before we get the lionfish. Is this a good setup to get the lion? We have many hiding places for the fish, so they won't (hopefully!) get eaten. <You say that everything is happy and doing fine. Adding a lion to the mix would almost surely change that. They are not community fishes, and will consume smaller fishes as well as invertebrates that will fit in their gape. To compound things, Lions have specialized feeding habits. All in all, I would not recommend your purchasing a Dwarf Fuzzy Lionfish for inclusion in your marine reef aquarium, Mike G.>

Lionfish Sting Hi Everyone! Thanks for taking the time to help me out. I have a 65 gal salt tank with a yellow bar angelfish (juvenile), a maroon clown, a fuzzy dwarf lionfish, and a yellow longnosed butterfly fish. Everything was fine until yesterday morning when I noticed that the butterfly was acting funny, he seemed to just be swimming around with the current of the tank. My husband noticed two wounds on his underside like he was poked. We are guessing that he ran into the lionfish. My lionfish is very active and friendly. Since yesterday the lion has been sitting on some live rock on the back of the tank not moving. This is very strange behavior. So I jumped on your site and tried to research lion stings to other fish. What I got out of it is that usually the fish will die within 30 minutes of the sting... if they live past that, there is a chance they will pull through. This morning the butterfly was wedged between some live rock, my husband let him free and now he is on his side on the bottom of the tank. He is still alive and moves around a little. I don't know how to help him, I am thinking I should just leave him alone. He has lived over a day now. He has not gotten worse but hasn't gotten better either. What would you do? <Heidi, it is possible that this could happen but unlikely. Has the butterfly been eating good, and what foods do you feed it? Does the angel show aggressive signs? Angels do have a very sharp spike just below their gill plate which is also used as defense. It's also possible that the angel could have done this. James (Salty Dog)>

Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish Hello! Great website, very insightful!, Well here is my question. I have a 46 bow front (this is not my first tank), with 50# LR with plenty of caves and such, testing 0's on nitrates, nitrites and ammonia, 8.2 PH and 1.023 salinity. I have a brain coral, doing well, some polyps and a mushroom rock all healthy. The only fish in the tank are a leftover yellow tail damsel (doing fine) and a 3" Flame Angel. I added a Fuzzy Dwarf (approx. 3"), (my favorite fish) anyway last night all was well. This morning the Flame was dead. It had a large white swollen spot on the side of its head. It seems the Lion and the Flame had a disagreement and the Lion won. Does that sound like a lion sting? <Maybe... but the angel loss could just as well as be unrelated> The Flame was healthy and eating well. Any info would be appreciated. Also what would you suggest as another tank mate for the lion? Rob <Something bigger than its mouth, but not too likely to pick on it. Bob Fenner>

Compatibility Hi,
<Hi Alex, MacL here with you today.>
I was wondering if I could house a Zebra Moray and Dwarf Fuzzy Lionfish together in a 100 gal comfortably for their whole lives?

Thank you! -Alex

Lionfish Hi, Do fuzzy dwarf lions and Volitans lions get along good? Thanks Ben >>>Sure, just make sure the fuzzy lion has some size to begin with. You don't want him getting swallowed by the Volitans - they grow FAST. Cheers Jim<<<

Small tank for small lions in a small group Hi Bob, I have recently been very interested in Lionfish. Having considered the possibilities (pro's and con's) I have decided against adding one to my main display tank. However I am still very interested in the idea of having a lionfish, so I have been discussing the idea with a fellow hobbyist over the internet, who has some 10 yrs+ experience with various lionfish species. <Good to hear of your searching, striving...> I put forward the idea of a smaller tank, 36"x18"x18", housing a group of dwarf lions, and he thought it a good idea. Something like a pair of fuzzy dwarf lions, and a pair of dwarf zebra lions (D. Zebra, D. Brachypterus)..... or maybe stick to a single species and get four.... or maybe 3 fuzzy dwarfs and a dwarf zebra. What do you think ??? I see you recommend 15 to 20 gals per adult dwarf lion ("I recommend a good 30 to 40 gallons per adult Pterois, and half that for other species" ~ The Conscientious Marine Aquarist). So I figure, 60 gals ...... 4 dwarf lions .... they will be the sole inhabitants of the tank......or am I misinterpreting you i.e. you could be referring to this volume per fish in a standard tank. <No, this is about right... maximum fish load...> If this idea is feasible, I would be very keen to go ahead with it. In terms of filtration ......... I had considered a less traditional approach ...... something a bit like the Leng Sy EcoSystem thing.....except varied. <Me too... I add more mechanical filtration, a skimmer, more circulation...> I had considered a sump beneath the tank, 24hr lighting and loads of Caulerpa, and if necessary another filter such as a canister or a fluidized bed or maybe a gallon of bioballs in the overflow to deal with the heavy feedings ..... although I would limit this to three moderate feeds a week. Also, since there would be no herbivores in the tank, I thought perhaps I would grow Caulerpa in the display tank as well as the sump ..... perhaps doing away with the need for a "filter" ...... what would your opinion be. <Sounds good> As a sort of clean up crew, I had considered some large hermits .... I shells bigger than a golf ball ..... to deal with any waste. <Yes, and some algae... and big enough to not get inhaled by the Lions... they have large mouths and can/do eat/inhale such things> Planned decor would be a simple single large overhanging cave like structure, that would be assembled and secured before them going in. Thanks for reading. Regards, Matt PS. You might think "why is he asking me, when there is a guy with 10 yrs+ advising him......." .... well I figure safe than sorry, and get a second opinion :-) <And a third, fourth... enough till you feel comfortable. Bob Fenner>

Dwarf Fuzzy... Lionfish... still not reading
Dear WWM Crew, I went ahead and took over my friends dwarf fuzzy and I am looking for a suitable tank(36 gal) mate. I have been looking at Dwarf angels
<Mmm, no... the smaller species would be inhaled and the larger Centropyge need more room>
or maybe another colorful fish as I would like to keep some corals (LPSs). I am looking to go as small as possible to help the tank keep a smaller bioload as the Dwarf Fuzzy is insanely messy. So any suggestions would be appreciated as I am straying away from inverts (eaten, or my tank cannot handle the role of feeding starfish). But I also want to have a colorful setup.... to match my digi... so being a dwarf fuzzy would a damsel bully it? What about a six line wrasse? Banggai? I really appreciate your help as I spend as much time as I can reading your wonderful site. I truly love this site! I am just at a loss for determining a suitable tank mate due to my lack of diversified marine experience. Regardless, thanks again for your help and uber-informative site.
<Keep reading it. Bob Fenner>

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