Lionfish acting strange... poor environment, nutrition    3/17/08
Hi, great website!
I have had my lionfish for about six weeks now. I am new to lionfish. He is currently about 5 1/2 inches long and was about 4 inches when I bought him. He was quick to adjust to the frozen silver sides and that is what he eats. A small piece every other day.
<... needs more than this>
Anyhow, as he has grown he is changing. He has started to get white spots mostly on his (pelvic?) fins. It is not ich. The spots are the same shape and size as the black ones all over his body and are not topical but part of his body. Is this a normal part of growth or change?
<The former>
He has a couple small holes in his webbing on one side but after reading about that on the site that doesn't really concern me.
<Good>
What does concern me is he has been swimming strange. He is often in the vertical position and bumps his mouth into the live sand bottom. Now and again he does flips or somersault very slowly almost like he's not in control but then goes back to normal.
<Mmm... how bright is your lighting? I do hope/trust this fish has some dark area/s, caves to get out of the light... Otherwise, nutrient/vitamin deficiency can be at root here>
I'm also worried that he may be going blind.
<Yes... see above>
His eyes are not cloudy but do look different than before in the pupil. Instead of being straight black there appears to be a bluish/greenish swirl in both pupils. Kind of like the inside of a marble. When I went to feed him tonight he did not respond to the food. This behavior is out of the ordinary for me so I wanted to see what may be going on as I don't want to lose him.
My water temperature is 78F, salinity is 1.021
<I'd raise... see WWM re>
and all levels are good. He is the only fish in 55gal tank
<Needs more room than this...>
(I'm getting a bigger one before he gets too big) and it has a emperor 400 and a aqua c remora on it. I use Hagen Power-Glo lights on that tank.
Let me know what you think please.
Thanks a bunch.
Mike R.
<Read on! WWM re: Lion nutrition, systems... Bob Fenner>

Red Volitans Lionfish, beh.  02/25/2008
Hello, how are you?
<<Good day, fine thank you. Andrew here today>>
I have been reading for the last two days on the Red Volitans Lionfish and I am pretty up to speed on them, but what I am unable to find are, are they social fish...I know that they will eat anything small then them, that they are semi-aggressive, but some sources say that they are good community fish when housed with fish equal to their size then other sources say that they keep just lionfish together.
<<This species of lion is a sociable fish, yes>>
This is rather confusing as no one can seem to agree. I have had mine for a short time...it hangs out in the live rock mostly but every once in a while it will make its way over to the other side of the tank, hang out for a minute just to see what is going on then back to his perch on the live rock. I am just curious. Thanks
<<The behaviour of your lion sounds about right and its common for it act in this manner. More reading can be found here by reviewing the linked articles and FAQ's http://www.wetwebmedia.com/lions&rels.htm>>
Jessica
<<Thanks for the questions Jessica, hope the above helps. A Nixon>>

Lionfish behavior, poor English, using WWM  – 06/11/07
Hi, I have a Volitans lionfish (3") and when the lionfish was first purchased (2 weeks ago). i've
<I've>
been feeding the lionfish minnows
<An exceedingly poor idea. You're killing this fish.>
for the past week (i know its not healthy), but i'm
<I'm>
getting ready to try and train it to eat non-living food. at
<At>
first, it was fairly active and would swim from side to side every so often; but for the past couple days i've noticed that the lionfish would just sit on the bottom of the tank pretty much all day and its dorsal fins would just droop back, which have usually been erect. i know lionfish aren't exactly the most active fish, but is it typical behavior for a lionfish to have its dorsal fins droop back and just sit at the bottom of the tank all day or is this indicative of sickness? any info would help, thanks
<Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/index.htm
Scroll down to the tray on Lionfishes. Bob Fenner>

Mombasa Lionfish Behavior  5/17/07
Hello Crew:
I just wanted to ask a quick question regarding the behavior of my Mombasa Lionfish (that was mis identified at the LFS as a Dwarf Zebra for $15.99).
<...?>
  He is in a 75 gallon with a dwarf fuzzy lionfish, and a Lawn Mower Blenny.
<This may be inhaled...>
  The tank info is as follows: SG 1.025, temp 78, Nitrate 0, Nitrite 0, Amm 0. The tank has two Maxi jet 1200's in the corners and one Maxi Jet 900 across the back.  I also have a 130 W PC light.  My problem is that I think he is to
<too>
active. Between 4:00 PM and about 8:00 AM he paces  on one side of the tank,
<Is what larger Pteroines do... hunt for food around crepuscular times...>
he almost appears to be looking at himself.
<Another possibility>
He looks great and eats excellent. The back and forth swimming is slow and not erratic or anything.  I just am worried that something is wrong as I know this is not what you would call "normal" Lionfish behavior.  Any input from the crew would be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Craig
<Perhaps you might try attaching a piece of paper to one end of the aquarium to reduce internal light reflection. Please also read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/Lionbehfaqs.htm
Bob Fenner>

New Lion beh.  – 4/28/07
Dear Wet Web Media,
  I just purchased an Antennata Lion fish. When I got home, I fresh water dipped him and then placed him in my QT. He ate at the store and he appears very alert. However, is it common for them to perch in one spot of the aquarium for a while and if so is this just because they need time to acclimate to there new tank. Mine is staying hugged to the sponge filter. I believe he is doing this because he feels secure there. Please let me know your thoughts on this. Thank You Jeff
<Pteroines are generally sedentary... particularly when newly introduced... See WWM re Lion Beh. Bob Fenner>

Re: New Lion beh., fdg.
Dear WetWeb Media,
   Thank you for answering my last question. I would like to know what I should do with my lionfish and his problem with not wanting to eat know. I have had him only 2 1/2 days in my QT, but he ate at the store.. How should I go about trying to get him to eat. Would live ghost shrimp be the possible answer. Please write me back as soon as you can. Thank you Jeff!
<Please learn to/use the search tool, indices on WWM. Read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/lionfdgfaqs.htm
and the linked files above. BobF>

Lionfish beh.   1/30/07
Good evening
<And to you>
My husband had bought a lionfish a couple months ago.  We've had him in a 75 gallon tank.  I tested the waters and everything is great.  One morning I noticed that his face is neon green.  It's really strange.
<Good observation... This is a natural color...>
The only fish that was in the tank was a snapper my husband caught for bait fish and well never left the tank.  I on the other hand have my own tank set up.  So I decided to put the lionfish in my tank, and all I have in there is a yellow tang.  I did acclimate the fish but what can cause his face to turn green?
Thank you
Jake and Pamela Dougherty
<Foods, predisposition. Not to worry. Cheers, Bob Fenner>

Funky Lionfish behaviour   12/6/06
Hi everyone,
<Anthony>
    You were kind enough to help me out a couple of months ago with a Blue-cheek Trigger problem, so I figured I'd pick your brains a little more.  I've looked through google and your Lionfish section for something resembling this, but have found nothing.  I have a (I believe) 10" Volitans in a 180 gallon tank with a few friends that have been around for a long time.  Nothing has changed in the tank prior to this behaviour starting.  What the Lion is doing is swimming around with his head above the water surface.
<Not good...>
Eyes, mouth...   it's as if he thinks he's a crocodile or something.  He's bumping into things, and is going into his second eek of being on a hunger strike.  I did read something about a lack of aeration for other behavioural issues,
<Yes... best first guess>
and was wondering if him having his mouth above the surface is a means for him getting air?
<This is a/the theory>
   Someone told me that it's a bad idea to connect the air-intakes to the powerheads.  Can you confirm that?
<Not an issue... very small bubbles are problematical, not ones larger than say 1 mm in diameter>
   I have 4 powerheads being controlled by a Wavemaker Pro in the tank, with plenty of live rock, excellent filtration and decent water conditions: 78 degrees, 1.025 SG, 8.2 pH, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, 5 ppm nitrates.  I tried dropping some ghost shrimp in the tank to get him to eat, but got no response.  His color & body look good.  He's just acting like a freak.    :)
Thanks,
Anthony
<There are other probable causes for the observed behavior... next in line might be that this fish has "swallowed something"... like gravel, a hermit crab... and is suffering duress consequently... I would try adding a dose of Epsom Salt (see WWM re) and keep offering foods that this fish is known to accept... daily. Bob Fenner>

Lionfish Problems - 3/21/2006
Good day!
<<Hi Josie!>>
Today is day 10 of my Volitans Lionfish eating strike!!! We got him from "a guy" about 2 1/2 months ago.  I have a 50 gallon FO tank with 1 Volitans Lionfish, 1 Yellow Tang, 1 Maroon Clown, 1 Limbaughi Chromis, 2 Turbo Snails, 2 Small Hermit Crabs, 1 Brittle Star, 1 Sandsifting Star, and 1 (illusive) Ghost Crab.
<<Your tank is far too small for all those fish.  The tang and Lion need larger quarters, and the maroon clown will wreak havoc on that tank in no time.>>
The water parameters right now are SG - 1.022, Temp 79 - 80, Ammonia - 0, Nitrite - 0, pH 8.3, Nitrates - 40 (yes, that is high and we are doing approximately 15% water change every other day to bring that down).
<<Likely a cause of the feeding strike.>>
The parameters of the tank prior to the Lionfish going on food strike were the same as they are now except the Nitrates were 0.  The Nitrates have shot up over the last 2 - 3 days and we have gotten them down to 40 with the water changes.
<<Wow, so they were very high.  Get those levels down, and you may see a return in appetite.>>
Anyway, he was on a diet of Freeze Dried Krill and now will not eat it.  We tried raw shrimp soaked in garlic, raw scallops soaked in garlic, raw shrimp no garlic, raw scallops no garlic, and even tried the feeder fish just to trigger a feeding response.  He will hunt it on the feeder stick but will not open his mouth to eat.
<<An all-krill diet is linked to lock-jaw.  Do Google this on WWM.>>
The LFS said to force feed him.  Now, I don't know about anyone else, but I'm not too keen on force feeding a fish as I seriously doubt that this will make him WANT to eat.
<<Can help at times actually.  I would look into other methods/solutions first if you are wary.>>
We do have a protein skimmer and have turned it up to try to knock out the Nitrates but it is a slow process.
<<Water changes are what you need to do, along with acquiring a larger tank.>>
I'm at a loss at this point on trying to get the fish to feed!
<<I think the causes are quite clear.>>
He has no external signs of anything wrong.  Normal coloring, normal swimming, he hangs out a lot with his head hanging down and this tail up, but this, from what I have seen, is normal for a Lionfish.
<<Not necessarily.>>
This is my first saltwater tank and have been learning and reading along the way.  The only reason we have the snails, stars, and crabs is as a clean up crew.  We were having an issue with Red Algae and the snails have almost knocked that out entirely.
<<It is best to solve the source of such problems, as opposed to adding a Band-Aid-solution.>>
Do you have any suggestions that I might be able to do to help this poor fish?
<<Larger tank, reduced nitrates, possible iodine supplementation to help with lock-jaw (Google on WWM).>>
I didn't intend on keeping him in the first place, he came with the tank, as we had purchased it from a guy in the local area.  We estimate that the Lionfish is about 3 - 5 years old.  No one would take him so we decided to care for him.
Thanks a million!!!
Josie
<<Glad to help.  Lisa.>>

Lionfish Disease 1-30-2006
Dear WWM Crew,
<Tim>
I have a 200 gal. Lionfish Tank, good water quality, good hiding spots, 4 96w power compacts, and a fairly limited diet (primarily smelt, but I
have recently integrated shrimp and Vitamins to the diet).  A couple of weeks ago I had one begin to swim in circles and lose orientation.
<You've read on WWM re?>
He also had a swollen upper and lower jaw.  He was removed to a separate system for observation.  Two days later a second one repeated this
behavior and the swollen mouth,  and was removed as well.  The other three seem fine, although one is not eating well as of lately.  The
original Lionfish died recently and I did a necropsy on him.  I found no evidence of disease on skin scrapes, a scrape off of the mouth, or gill
clips.  Is it possible they were both stung by another Lionfish, or could this be some kind of Parasite affecting the nervous system?  I
appreciate your help, Thanks,   Tim
<Not likely either... but some sort of environmental complaint... almost assuredly. See WWM re Lionfish Systems... Disease. Bob Fenner>

Lionfish Info Needed - 01/12/2006
Hey,
<Ok.>
My little Spike is great and happy and has been, but I just wanted to know he has been resting upside down in the corner by the filter tale up in the air. Just wanted to know if that was safe Thanks.
<Generally not a concern (if still eating well, otherwise healthy). They do sit around most of the time. May be unable to find a hiding place it likes. Did this tank already finish the cycle you asked about earlier? - Josh>

Red Volitans coloration/behavior  - 01/12/2006
Hello.
<Hi there>
I have had a red Volitans Lionfish for about 2 months now.  It is about 6"
from head to tail.  It is in my 120 gallon aquarium with a Yellow Tang,
Niger Trigger, Harlequin Wrasse, and a couple other small fish.  I have about
190 lbs. of live rock and some corals as well.  All fish and corals appear
to be thriving except my Lionfish which has been for the past 2-3 weeks been
very reclusive, sitting in a corner on the substrate, or under a cave in the
rockwork.  Not coming out for feeding time like he did regularly when I first got him.
<What do you feed this fish?>
Also, he has taken on a very dark black coloration that covers all but about the last one-third of his body on the tail end.
<Not good...>
That part looks right how the color should be.  I have also noticed a couple of
times that one of his spine needles had been "used" as the needle was
exposed.  I have seen this before and know that this will repair itself.
But maybe when that happens it makes them go into defense-mode and just go sit for awhile until they feel better.
I'm just lost for ideas.  I've fed him (in the past), jumbo freeze dried
shrimp, fresh/frozen shrimp, and he even ate flake food.  Not sure what's gotten into him.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Jason
<Might be "nothing"... Might have been harassed... by the Trigger... or could be that this fish has swallowed something... like a rock, gravel... hopefully this will pass.
Bob Fenner>

Basic Help Part2 10/13/05
Thanks so much for your reassurance. It is really helpful for the starting novice to not get too in a hurry to have the "perfect" home ocean. 
<Patience and good basic husbandry are the real keys to success. No one around here will ever encourage anyone to rush!>
One question I was looking for an answer on was what seems to be a shedding of slime from what I think is coming from the black volitans....is this normal? He is active and eating. 
<This could range from a minor irritation to a serious infection. If the fish appears to be otherwise healthy and continues to eat, I would not worry too much... it should go away. If you see any other signs of infection, injury or ill-health, please write us back with detailed descriptions and pictures if possible.>
Also you were correct on not having ammonia after all, the test kits were probably just off...since my ammonia is still steady at 0 on 2 of the three kits. You guys are great. Thanks. Steven
<Glad to help. FWIW, buying test kits with expiration dates and from dealers who you know sell a lot of them helps a lot with getting fresh, accurate kits. Best Regards. AdamC.>

Lionfish on food strike 7/12/05
Thanks for all the great help you provide.  I am continuing to try to solve
a problem with a lionfish that has almost stopped eating.  This lionfish was
the first fish in my 250g tank and ate frozen silversides and krill from the
start - I would drop the food in front of the lionfish with plastic tongs
and he would snap it up.  That went on for a few months at least.  Now, it
is difficult to get the lionfish to take any food.
<Happens>
The last addition to the
tank (only 7 total fish) was a porcupine puffer, who is much smaller than
the lionfish but typically eager when feeding time comes.
<Yes>
The lionfish is
clearly agitated by the puffer and poses whenever the puffer swims too close
too quickly.  The lionfish started to be difficult to feed about the time
the puffer came into the tank.
<Mmm, coincidence?>
I feed the fish one time daily at night, and
the lionfish is definitely still interested in food.  But, now when I put
silversides or krill in front of him, he just looks at it and watches it
drop to the bottom (I distract or isolate the puffer to make sure the
lionfish gets a chance at the food).  I am going to try live ghost shrimp to
see if that will kick start the lionfish feeding.  If that doesn't work, I
plan on trying some live feeders, though I hope not to reach that point
because I don't want to get the lionfish reliant on live fish and I don't
want to kill the fish that would be its food.  Do you have any suggestions
as to how to get this lionfish feeding again, and maybe what the cause of
the problem is?  Thanks very much.
MCW
<You likely will have to separate the Lion, Puffer... You can read re their compatibility, feeding... on WWM. Bob Fenner>

Yawning and Shaking Head of Volitans Lion
Hello Bob
<Wendy>
I have had my Volitans Lionfish for over a year.  He has been great - no problems whatsoever unless you count him killing two other lions earlier last year!  He eats like a pig - he used to get feeder guppies, then feeder danios, then a mixture of krill, lobster, and shrimp.  On occasion, I would give him frozen beef heart which he adores.
<But hard to digest...>
Today I tried feeding him that and he wouldn't take it.  I thought that maybe he was going through a phase as he seems to do - he quit eating the krill last winter.  
<Does happen>
Anyway, I tried some feeder guppies and he went for them right away but then realigned his jaw instantly - something I have never seen him do before.  I know that these fish will do this on occasion because of their feeding requirements of sucking in prey, but he almost is purposely not eating because maybe his mouth hurts?  
<Possibly>
I am also wondering if he has a piece of bone from one of his danios stuck?  He also tends to get constipated a lot, however, I try to give him as much veggies as he will permit!  
Here are the parameters of his tank -
ammonia - 0
nitrite - 0
nitrate - 0
pH - 8.2
salinity - 1.022
temperature - 76
42 gallon hex
he is in this tank alone with no one else in there - even no snails.
Please help me help him - he's my baby!
Thanks!
Suzanne
<Am hopeful this fish will self-cure... Yawning is often a sign of stress in Pteroines... see it often when photographing them in the wild. Bob Fenner>

Re: Yawning and Shaking Head of Volitans Lion, and Emperor Angel color
Dear Bob,
<Wendy>
First of all, thank you for the advice on my lion - he is doing so much
better!!!  Maybe he was just going through a phase - sometimes I think I'm
dealing with a two year old!!!  LOL  Anyway, I wanted to thank you for that.
<Welcome and great to hear of your Lion's recovery>
However, now I have what I think is a problem with my Imperator Angel
(Pomacanthus imperator).  He's not a juvenile and didn't buy him as such.
The fish store said that he was caught as an adult.
<Mmm, hopefully as a youngster with adult coloration... adapt to captivity much better>
He had beautiful color
when I got him and now it is really fading quick.  It started off as small
watch colorless patches - it's not lymphocystis where the patches are more
clumpy - this is definitely a color loss on his part.  I've been feeding him
plenty of algae (processed sheets), Spirulina, brine shrimp, omega 3 brine
shrimp, angel and butterfly mixes, marine cuisine, and color enhanced flake
foods.  I don't think he's sick because his appetite is HUGE!!!  Plus, he's
been eating the slime algae that keeps assimilating on the sides of the
glass like crazy - could that be it?
<Mmm, maybe>
He's in with three scissortail damsels - and they are only 1.5 inches - he's
about four inches!  All of his water parameters are fine - the salinity is
1.022, temp is 76, nitrate is zero, nitrite is zero, and ammonia is zero.
Also his pH is 8.2.
<I would definitely raise your specific gravity up to about near seawater strength (1.025)... and soak the non-dry foods in Selcon or equivalent... adding "mud" to your sump filtration, more live rock... might improve water quality, the fish's health, appearance as well>
Please help - I don't want to lose him if he is sick!!!
Thanks!
Suzanne
<The Angel may be simply "stressed"... there is room for this fish, places for it to hide out of your sight I hope/trust. Bob Fenner>

YAWN.. Lionfish 
Just a quick question. My lionfish seems to be yawning, and by yawning I mean his mouth opens wide and he extends all his fins. This action lasts about 20 seconds and the lionfish will do this several times a day. Do you know why he is doing this and should I be concerned?
Thanks for your suggestions. 
<Nothing to worry about, just normal for lionfish to do this. James (Salty Dog)> 

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 

Sick Lionfish???
Hi, I bought a lionfish and he has been in my tank for about 2 weeks now.  Since day one he will just sit in the corner moving from one side to the other rarely and never doing anything unless I feed him.
<This is... about all they do... especially when new, not quite settled in>
I haven't fed him for the past 4 days because I am trying to get him to take frozen/dried krill. He comes up and swims around sometimes at night for about 5 min.s. and then that's it, even that is rare. My friend has two and they are usually swimming around floating here and there and look very active compared to mine. I know that lion fish naturally don't do much, but mine might as well
be dead, he does absolutely nothing. What is wrong with him and what can I do? Thanks.
<Your system might need added aeration... filtration... I hope it's large enough... Please read through our Lionfish materials: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/lions&rels.htm  and the linked files above... Otherwise... time going by... Bob Fenner> 

- Lionfish Behavior -
Thank you for your answers on the website.  Starting over again after our January ice storm when I lost everything in my tank, having lost power for over a week.  Very sad situation for me. 
<Would be for anyone.>
However, this new beginning has offered an opportunity to place/try NEW critters in my tank I have had no previous experience with. These new additions would not have been compatible choices with the other things in my tank, prior to the ice storm mess. 
<Consider a generator.>
For example, after my tank recycled again post "ice storm," I added a lionfish. The fish eats well and has been in the tank for a month. He/she is quite the "gulper."  I enjoy this new creature but have this question: How does the lionfish "sting/stun other fish?" I watched today as I tried adding one live small goldfish to the tank for him to eat as a trial, just to vary things. The fish tended to sort of "drag" its fins over the body of the goldfish to stun it.
<If could encourage you in any way, it would be to stop feeding your lionfish live feeders. The feeders can introduce disease, and more importantly can/will lead to gut impaction and the foreshortened life of your lionfish. Please try as soon as possible to start offering other [dead] meaty seafoods - krill, squid, shrimp, etc.>
I thought there would be some poking or inserting of the lionfish' barbs into a fish to stun or kill it. 
<The spines are a defense mechanism, not an offensive one. Lionfish most often use the element of disguise, surprise, and that massive mouth to catch their prey. The venomous spines are to keep it from being eaten.> 
Is it kind of like a jellyfish, where just coming in contact with the lionfish' fins do the poisoning? 
<No.> 
Wonder about this as it might pertain to any other fishes I might add to my newly "upgraded" tank. 
<No worries... any purposefully kept fish would have to be impaled on one of those spines to be envenomed.>
Right now the only other fish in the 55 gallon tank is a blue damsel. They both do fine at this point.
Epilogue: The lionfish certainly went for the goldfish...waited patiently for it, followed it around the tank and continued to drag its fins over the goldfish, but I eventually pulled the goldfish out of the tank after 25 minutes of watching. The goldfish died. Not sure if it was the saltwater, or the lionfish poison?? 
<The saltwater. Cheers, J -- > 

- Save My Lionfish -
I got on your site and read many articles but couldn't find one that matched my situation. Please forgive me if I missed something.  I have a 200 gallon "fish only" tank. I have a 4 year old, 8" lion fish. He has always eaten very well. I feed every other day and he eats both silver sides and shrimp.  About 2 weeks ago he quit eating. His color then began to fade, but coloring returned to normal in a couple of days. After not eating for about a week, he began to float in the tank. He floats upside down and hides himself in the coral or in a corner. His breathing is also very slow. 
<Slow breathing is better than fast.> 
Other than that, he's great! (just kidding)
I also have a very large porcupine puffer in the tank (about 13" and probably 3-5 pounds). The puffer is very annoying and swims over the top of the lion all the time. 
<They do this... will run over anyone to get attention/food.>
(FYI there are 2 eels, a miniatus (forgive the spelling), a squirrel fish & a small box fish also living in the tank). Didn't know if maybe the stress from the puffer caused his demise. 
<I doubt it... generally speaking lionfish are pretty tough customers and not likely to succumb to the wiles of a pesky puffer.>
Any thoughts on what might have caused this to happen or what I can do to fix it? 
<Difficult to say... these fish do go on hunger strikes, and it sounds like you've been providing good foodstuffs which would not lead to a gut impaction. I am working on an anecdotal theory that most saltwater pet fish don't have enough circulation in their lives and as a result don't get enough exercise. I don't have "proof" of this yet, but a diet of silversides - which are quite fatty - without lots of swimming could leave your fish with some issues. I'd try bumping up the circulation a bit for starters.> 
I put a PolyFilter in the tank as well as carbon. 
<If you run the PolyFilter before the carbon, has it revealed any colors that might offer a clue?> 
I thought he was going to make a comeback (he looked a little better - maybe wishful thinking), but he is still floating upside down. 
<The floating upside down may just be a phase. In the wild it is not uncommon to see these fish upside down in a cave so it doesn't concern me that much... If it were floating upside down and just drifting about the tank at the whim of the current, that would be a something different; a cause for intervention.> 
I am afraid to do a water change because I don't want to stress him even further. 
<Well... a water change may be just what he needs. Make certain the parameters are closely matched to your existing water and go for it. Water quality should be a paramount concern.> 
Please help - when they get that big it's like loosing a pet! 
<Understood.> 
Thanks in advance! Kim
<Cheers, J -- >

Volitans/Snowflake Interaction
Hi there...<Hi! Ryan with you today.> I have a 8-10" snowflake eel that is housed
with a 5" volitans lion. They don't seem to bother each
other, except I have noticed them interacting
strangely on a couple occasions. Every so often, the
lion will pull up in front of the eel, and lower its
dorsal spines allowing the eel to lay on top of it
(for lack of better words). then after 30 seconds or
so, they will each go there own way. Both are very
healthy. I was wondering if this was normal behavior,
or if you'd heard of it. <Interesting...Can't say that I have.  You may be seeing two predators "working" through their issues about sharing hunting grounds.  Will post for others to read, share.>
thanks, Bryan

Color changing lionfish
Hello,
Thanks for an amazing site, need a little help with my newest pet a lionfish.  It appears to change color from red, orange, and brown to much darker colors.  It also has two white dots right behind it's front fins.  He has been eating
really well taking all that is made available to him.  thanks in advance.
mike
<Hi Mike, MikeB here.  A lionfish will change colors when stressed.  Check your water quality and make sure all the parameters are in place.  If the white dots grow it might be a sickness called Lymphocystis.  It then has to be treated.  But, test your water first.  Thanks MikeB.>

Odd Lionfish Behavior
Hello WWM Crew. Love the web site.<Thanks>
I have a 180 gallon tank with a 9in. black Volitans Lionfish. When I first got him, about a week ago, he was doing great. But about three days later he started always hiding behind rocks or floating vertical with his head down in the  back corner of the tank. He is still eating well but I never get to see him since he is always hiding. He is the only fish in the tank so far. All the parameters are fine. Is this something to worry about? <Not generally.>How do I get him to go back to how he was in the beginning.
Thank You Very Much
Louis
<Hello Louis, your lionfish is comfortable the way he is.  They will act strangely when they cant get a hiding place that they feel comfortable in.  I recommend adding more decorations and moving the ones in the tank around.  But, be careful they are venomous and will sting you.  As long as the fish is eating then you should not worry.  MikeB>

Adding a new lionfish
Hey Mac- <Hey Brett, so great to hear from you again!>
So I finally got Big Daddy (my adult volitans lionfish) a buddy.... Baby Daddy (I know...) <LOVE IT!!!> This is a really juvenile Antennata lionfish. <I love antennata's but they are a species that in my experience are very shy and need major adjustment time.> I have a couple of questions, though because I want to make sure I get him accustomed to his new home appropriately. Unfortunately, I do not have the space in my apartment, so a quarantine tank is not an option, so he went directly into the tank *With appropriate acclimation procedures. He was visible for the entire first day hiding in a covering. The second day, he remained hidden behind the rocks, and he completely Disappeared today. I went short of removing the rocks to look for him, because I was convinced Big Daddy ate him. (BTW, I think that would be really physically impossible for him to do). <Sadly I have seen lionfish eat things that there was no way they could swallow. Seen them choke to death doing it as well. One of my most unusual memories is pulling a panther grouper out of a lionfishes mouth because he was stuck in it. Not a fond memory lol.>  I found him tonight when the lights when off. I tried feeding him with the lights off, but he is really scared of my coming to the tank... <They really are a very shy creature. Absolutely gorgeous though. To my mind, if he is hiding only during the day he really is avoiding the new "scenery" and not Big Daddy. The good news about this is that he should come around.>
Without being able to be close to the tank and watch, I have NO idea if he is eating this late-night snack I have put in. Since he won't come out in the day, I can't be certain he is making the switch to frozen foods... (Which, I am now soaking in vitamins and providing a nice variety.) <You might need to provide him with some live foods while he makes the adjustment over to the frozen. In my experience though, Lionfish will learn from other lions about potential food sources, i.e. the frozen foods.> What should I do to make sure he can eat? Keep trying? Feed at night like I am? Should I try some live food? A few ghost shrimp until he gets used to me? If use ghost shrimp...how long will they stay alive in the marine tank? Is it a matter of minutes, hours or days? (This matters as to when I put them in, of course.) <In my experience the ghost shrimp will live a couple of hours in a saltwater tank. I think you could safely put them in when you see him come out at night.>
I hadn't found too much information on the site about feeding a juvenile that remains completely hidden during anything but almost complete darkness...Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. <Sometimes you can fool the fish with a red light. Meaning you can see them when the red light is on but they think its total darkness. This might give you a better handle on how he is doing. And maybe allow you to make sure he doesn't have any marks on him. And for what its worth don't panic yet, these guys as you know can go a long time without eating. Although, like you, I really hate to see them not eat.>
Thanks, Mac....your suggestions are always right on target! Have a great week.... <Gosh Brett, thank you, that's very kind of you to say. Please if he hasn't eaten in a week let me know so we can brain storm and get some ideas going on how to get him more settled. Mac>

Radiata lionfish
Hi;
<Hi, MikeD here>
I have a pet Radiata lion that I absolutely adore....I have had him for 3
months now and everything was going smooth till we got hit by the hurricane (I
live in Florida<ditto>) well throughout the power outage I kept the tank going by a
generator...so his living environment would be stable....however he now isn't as
"active" as he was.... he used to swim around the tank especially around
feeding time..... but now he just mopes around....the stats of his tank haven't
changed...so I don't believe that he is stressed because of that (sal 1.24, nitrites
20 nitrates 0, ammonia 0)<I'm hoping this is a typo with your nitrates and nitrites reversed...if not, it's a miracle he's alive and you need to get those nitrites down ASAP!! It's been my experience that Lions are even sensitive to higher nitrAtes as well> now the one thing that wasn't stable during the
outage was his feeding habits....do you think that going a few days without shrimp
could have done this?<Not likely>  or maybe the fact that I used to feed him ghost shrimp
and after the hurricane the only thing the fish store had available was
peppermint shrimp....perhaps he prefers the peppermint shrimp now?<This is actually possible, as the Peppermint shrimp are marine while the Ghost shrimp in most stores are freshwater, occasionally brackish> should I keep
feeding him that? Are they good for him?<Definitely very good for him...if possible, try to gradually get him eating frozen/thawed marine shrimp (human table variety is excellent, although if you're near either coast, live bait shrimp make an IDEAL primary food if you can get the smaller ones...I use bait shop shrimp, fish and squid as my basic diet for ALL my ambush predators, along with small feeders easily caught along coastal waters> also how long can he go without
eating? <That's dependent upon his condition, with more robust specimens lasting much better than a thin one, but after a week I'd be very concerned.  Are his eyes noticeably cloudy? I ask this also because of your stated readings, and water changes and/possibly a hydrogen peroxide dip would be indicated if they are>
thanks for your help
Danielle