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FAQs about Scorpionfishes: Compatibility 

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

FAQs on Scorpionfishes: Scorpaeniform Fishes 1, Scorpaeniform Fishes 2, Scorpaeniform Fishes 3, Scorpaeniform Fishes 4,
FAQs on Scorpionfishes by Category: Identification, BehaviorStocking/Selection, Systems, Feeding, Disease, Reproduction

Will inhale quite large fishes, shrimps....

Triggers, puffers, large wrasses work them woe.

Can, do, poke others

Scorpionfishes: Lionfishes & Much More for Marine Aquariums
Diversity, Selection & Care

New eBook on Amazon: Available here
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by Robert (Bob) Fenner

fu man chu lion question; sys., comp. f's      6/8/13
Hello WWB,  I have a 240g 8 ft long mostly FO setup with 80 gallon sump.  DT is stocked with 280 lbs of live rock  with 2 yellow tangs, a large regal tang, cinnamon clown, flame angel, majestic angel, a few Chromis, pink spotted watchman goby, and a blue damsel.  I would like to add a small fu Manchu lion to the system.  I'm thinking about putting him in the 20 g inline sump refugium for the first few weeks so I can wean him to prepared food. 
<How will you find, feed this Lion when it's in the main tank?>
Does this sound like a good plan or would he fare poorly with the inhabitants in the DT when I transfer him?
<Too likely the latter. I wouldn't do this here>
 I'm okay with some of the Chromis becoming food I guess.  I'm hoping he just likes shrimp
<See WWM re>
 or prep. food.  Any other problems you might see?   Is my DT overstocked already?   Thanks.
<Not totally overstocked, but you'll have to be careful, given the tangs, lg. angel present. Bob Fenner>

Lionfish poison   10/30/06 Hi to all the crew! < Greetings, Emerson with you today. > I have a little concern about Lionfish stings. I actually tried to find out everywhere how dangerous is their poison, but the same answer shows up: their sting is very painful. What does that mean? < Lions are actually toxic and not poisonous. They are eaten all over the world. > No, I know what it means, but how dangerous is their sting? I have a Pterois volitans, he's still pretty small (3" or so) and I'm taking great care to avoid his spines while cleaning the tank, but an accident can always occur. The problem is that the closer poisoning center around is in the neighbor city in a children's hospital somewhere in that same city. I don't have any allergies, but I'm really concerned about the dangers of the sting. < You really wont know if you are allergic to a Lionfish sting until it happens. > Could it be deadly? < There have been deaths reported from Lionfish, but it is said to be extremely rare. > Or is it ONLY painful? Your help would be more than appreciated! < Most stings are very painful, and treated with hot water immersion to help with the pain.  Keep the poison control # handy in case you get stung. > Thanks!! < Most welcome, and have a great day. > Ivan

What Kinds Of Fish Do Well With The Volitans Lionfish - 02/27/2006 I was just wondering what kinds of fish do well with Volitans Lionfish. I want a Clownfish, are those ok? Any other fish that you could recommend would be cool too. <Let's narrow this down some. Read here http://www.wetwebmedia.com/lions&rels.htm . Review the related links. - Josh>

Another One New to Salt  12/9/05 Hi, I'm relatively new to salt water tanks and I have been doing fresh water tanks for a few years now. I would like to go big with my salt water tank and create a 100 gallon.  <Sounds good>  I have been researching about fish and saltwater tanks and I have honestly almost gone crazy because there is so much to do.  When I was looking for fish I couldn't help but be taken aback by the beauty of the Pterois volitans or any lionfish at that. <Good aquarium specimens that can and will grow large. i would recommend a 180 gallon aquarium for them at their adult size of 12"> Some things I need to know are what fish that are predators will go well with lionfish. <Groupers, wrasses, etc you can have triggerfish but keep a close eye on them because they are nippers<<I strongly recommend against going with most triggerfishes, if the P. volitans is the fish you're most interested in.  Marina>> I know that other scorpion fish will go good with them and that triggers, puffers and any fish they can't get in there mouths are good but I would like to know your opinion on what fish to can associate with Pterois lions. I have not started the 100 gallon yet but I will be starting soon any tips that would make it safe as possible to put the lionfish in the tank would be helpful.  One last thing when should I put the lionfish in after or before I get its future tank mates. <Before>  Thank you very much for your help in the matter and I hope to here some info about it. <Good luck, IanB>
Lion Tankmates, Adam J's Take (who forgot to put out the dog!  Oops, it was Ian..!)  12/9/05
Hi, <Hello Ryan.> I'm relatively new to salt water tanks and I have been doing fresh water tanks for a few years now. I would like to go big with my salt water tank and create a 100 gallon. <Sounds like fun.> I have been researching about fish and saltwater tanks and I have honestly almost gone crazy because there is so much to do. <Confusion in ornamental marine aquatics? Never!…well maybe a little.> When I was looking for fish I couldn't help but be taken aback by the beauty of the Pterois volitans or any lionfish at that. <Amazing looking critters...but don't get stung!> Some things I need to know are what fish that are predators will go well with lionfish. <Other ambush predators such a groupers, larger hawkfish, anglers, and squirrelfish to name a few. I also like large Rabbitfish for tanks like this, not much of a predator but large enough to avoid being eaten and a good herbivore.> I know that other scorpion fish will go good with them and that triggers, puffers and any fish they cant get in there mouths are good but I would like to know your opinion on what fish to can associate with Pterois lions. <Actually triggers and puffers are some of the most common lion tank mates but they are also in my category of WORSE lion tankmates, while lion fish are predators they simply don't have the speed or armory to compete with triggers and puffers. This arrangement commonly concludes in the death of the lion but not before the trigger or puffer have picked off all of their fragile fins.> I have not started the 100 gallon yet but I will be starting soon any tips that would make it safe as possible to put the lionfish in the tank would be helpful. One last thing when should I put the lionfish in after or before I get its future tank mates. <Mmm…difficult to say without seeing a proposed stocking list, though in general lions are quite tolerant of fish they can't eat and fish that won't eat them. Another thing to consider with the lion is its diet…please make sure to purchase a lion that is accepting frozen fair such as krill, silversides and squid, live feeders are not an option….not long term anyway, they should only be used in emergencies or during weaning.> Thank you very much for your help in the matter and I hope to here some info about it. Thank you, <You are welcome.> Ryan O'Connell <Adam J.> (Your site has by far been the best online source I have found if you could recommend any good books on lionfish I would be very grateful.) <Mmm…I'm not familiar with any books specialized on Lions.. but there is a ton of info on them here at WWM and on the net in general, anybody out there know of any books, MH?>  <<Sorry, don't recollect any species-specific books that are "good" (though I'm sure they can be found, many books sold in aquarium shops are tripe and better cooked than read).  I would go to reefs.org or another similar BB and ask there.  Marina>>

Watch Out! There's a Lion fish behind you…avoiding those nasty stings  12/2/05 Hi! <Hello.> While my friend goes on vacation, I volunteered to take care of his marine tank. <He must trust you a lot.> In the tank is a Lionfish. He says that when he's cleaning he has to be really vigilant just in case it mistakes his hand for food. I'm kind of afraid. Can I use new rubber gloves when cleaning his tank?  <Yes but I still would not attempt to touch the fish, having never been stung by one I'm not sure how protective these gloves will be, of course they are better than nothing. However be sure they are not used as far as soap or other harmful materials….they need to be as sterile as possible.>  <<Not sterile, chemically inert is the issue here.  Regular "Playtex" gloves will not offer sufficient protection from a spine.  You need heavy-duty, try chemical gloves.  Marina>> Would that protect me? <When I clean a tank with lions I usually (carefully without touching them for your safety and theirs) herd them into the corner with some sort of utensil, (Kent scraper in my case). Some folks use barriers such as eggcrate or acrylic to keep the animal at bay. In general the animal will be much more afraid of you than you are of it and will keep a distance itself, also just be aware of where the fish is at all times don't get lazy or day dream. ;) > Thanks <Welcome, Adam J.> 

Volitans Lionfish Hello, <Hi> Could you please help me with my lionfish? <Try to> Have a 120-gal FO tank with said lionfish (7") running for over a year without any problems. Last week I made the mistake of adding an auriga butterfly (2"). He started nipping on the lion a day later and I promptly removed him to a another tank. Problem is that the lionfish hasn't eaten in 4 days, he doesn't look skinny but he lies near the bottom most of the time with his spines drawn out. The spines have been out for the last four days. Is there anything that I could do? <I would start by changing 20% of the water.  Don't know your water change schedule, but 10% weekly is recommended.  If you've been feeding him goldfish I'd change to something else, guppies, mollies etc.  A 7" lion does generate a lot of waste.  You don't mention using a protein skimmer or a high grade of activated carbon.  Both of these will help tremendously in water quality which is what I believe the problem is.  How is the nitrate level?  Lionfish are best left to a species tank only.  James (Salty Dog)> Thanks a ton, keep up the good work!!! Adriel

Dwarf lion, zebra I think  Hi, I just bought a dwarf lion. He is about 2 to 3 in. I have a 55 gal tank with a lot of hiding places, MAYBE THAT'S WHY I CAN'T FIND HIM ANYWHERE! I checked on him all afternoon and he was hiding behind a rock but now I don't see him. I should tell you that I also have a Niger trigger that is about 4 in long and a percula clown (Nemo fish) 2 in. I was told there shouldn't be a problem in my size tank?<no there should not be any problems><<Wrong.... the Trigger will get too large... and is incompatible w/ the other two fishes. RMF>> Well what do you think? Also won't the lion poison the other fish if he bits them?<The lions bite is not venomous...it is his dorsal spines which are venomous> He is sooo cute I hope he is alright and is just hiding.<he's probably hiding> Could you tell me if dwarf lions are active or our they hiders?<mainly hiders> Well I guess that's all the questions I have for  now. I hope you can help. :-) Sincerely, Jill. P.S. I also have a lawn mower blenny and a med size hermit crab that is growing by leaps and bounds!!!!!!!<Good luck, IanB>

Lions in Reefs... I've been trying to determine everything that I would like to put in my 90 gallon tank before I even begin the cycling process.<good idea> I've received some mixed advise about lions and corals.<would not try lions in a 90 gal reef (maybe not a reef aquarium at all)> Would lions nip at mushroom and polyp corals? <I don't think I would be too concerned with them consuming corals, the BIG problem with this mix is that lions are heavy eaters and can make the aquariums water quality deteriorate very rapidly, and corals are not very tolerant of poor water quality>     Also there is lighting concerns. Thanks to your website, I would have never known). Would the lighting needed to keep these simple corals be to much for the lion?<yes, could be.. lions like subdued lighting> About 3-4 watts per gallon I believe is needed.     My last question, is the dwarf lion the smallest of the species, and would they probably make a meal out of some yellow head Jawfish.<he would be slurped up, if the lion could catch him> Provided that the lion is the last fish added to the tank.<again I would not try this mix, the lion will consume most small reef fish/shrimps, crabs, etc and they eat A LOT (messy too), IanB>

The Lion And The Trigger Hi Bob: <Scott F. at the ready today> I have a nice 120 gal tank with 40 pounds of live Rock, I have 2 blue damsel fish 2" and my clown trigger 4" I recently bought a 3" Lion fish and they get along just fine. My question is should I be worried that the small lion fish stinging the trigger?? <Actually, I'm much more concerned about the trigger using the lionfish as his personal chew toy at some point! Do keep a close eye on these guys to make sure that no one gets hurt> Because they get along just fine but swim very close all the time, should I be worry about it???. <Again-keep observing them closely for signs of aggression, and be prepared to intervene if necessary> And the other question is that I know that lion fish take a few days to adapt to their new tank to start feeling at home, and start eating properly, but do you suggest some personal tips to get him to eat??? <I'd try tempting the lion with some frozen krill, strips of fresh clam, squid, etc. Lionfish should adapt to a "non-living" diet in a short time. It's not mandatory, or beneficial, for that matter, to feed them living fishes permanently> I only intend to keep these two fish, because I want them to enjoy of the space and grow with out any problems. <So glad to hear that, because these two fishes will need lots of room to be happy and live long, healthy lives> My final question is that one of the dorsal spines of the lion fish is bended (or broken), do they grow a new one or it will just fall, and will it be a problem for the fish??? <Generally, this should not be a problem for the fish, if he is otherwise in good health> Any suggestions will be appreciated ... and please give me some pointers of how to avoid any pre-problems between these two fish. I all ready read a lot of research, one of my personal favorites its http://reefkeeoing.com/issues/2002-11/fm/feature/ there is a lot of information about all lion species. ps. who its more likely to hurt the trigger hurting the clown trigger or the lion hurting the trigger???? <Well, once again- I'd be a bit more concerned over the trigger inflicting damage to the lionfish.. Keep providing excellent water conditions (regular water changes), quality food, and don't add any more fishes, and these guys should live long healthy lives in your tank. However, they will ultimately need to be moved to a larger aquarium (like 200 gallons or more) to be truly happy in the long run...Good luck! Regards, Scott F >

- Dead Lionfish Venom - Hello! I have read that dead puffers and other kinds of poisonous [venomous] fish can pollute the tank with toxins from their body and wipe out the entire system. Does this also apply to lionfish when they are dead? <Not as far as I know... although any fish, venomous or not will become a source of pollution if left dead in the tank for too long.> Andrew <Cheers, J -- ><<A side note here re Lionfish/Scorpaenines... they ARE still venomous to humans when dead. RMF who knows this firsthand>>

Lionfish Hi, I appreciate all the help I have gotten from you guys << Our pleasure >> and I was hoping you could offer an answer to a somewhat silly question. << Sometimes those are the hardest! >>  Do Lionfishes sting other fishes, <<Perhaps accidentally, but -extremely- unlikely in most aquaria. >> <RMF Disagrees... actually quite common>  and can they sting corals such as colt or bubble corals, or any corals for that matter?  << Also could puncture corals, but it'd be a bizarre accident, and is basically unheard of >> Thank You In Advance, Kristie =) << Cheers, Zo >>

FU MAN CHU Hey boys, Been a few weeks, but I can't stay away for too long. Quick question: Would a Fu Man Chu lion eat my cleaner and coral banded shrimp?  <Yes... as fast as an Enron/Anderson employee can shred documents> I'm thinking of almost emptying my tank except for my Emperor (75gall). He's getting quite rowdy.  <they are funny that way <smile>> I figured a Fu Man Chu would be a nice small, hardy, tankmate that he would probably leave alone.  <actually... there is a problem here Houston. Big rowdy angels are notorious for picking sores on stingrays, lionfish and other benthic dwellers in close confines. I wouldn't bet on this match up. Might work... might not. Even if it does... there may be some difficulty with the lionfish not being fast enough to compete with the angel for food> However I don't want to lose the cleaning benefit of the shrimp.  <leave the shrimp...send the lion packing> It's so fun to see that angel lying on it's side in ecstasy as he's being cleaned.  <like the 'ole Q-tip in the ear...hehe, Ahhhhhh> The cleaner actually goes inside the gills. Thoughts? <yes... the Pittsburgh Steelers will still be serious contenders for the Super bowl this year despite off season losses of key personnel> Thanks guys. Rick <best regards, my friend. Anthony>

4th grade lionfish project Dear Bob, <Gage here, at your service> My son chose the lionfish for a science project he must do. He has to build a model and give an oral report about the lionfish.<How Fun!> We have been able to find all of the information he needs---habitat, what they eat, how they move, etc.. We haven't been able to determine if the lionfish has any "enemies". Does anything prey on the lionfish? Any info you have would be great. Thanks, Donna Muth <From what I understand large Angelfish like the Emperor and the Queen Angel, as well as large triggerfish and puffers have the potential to systematically pick the Lions apart. It sounds like you have all the info you need, but just as another reference you could check out http://fishbase.org they have some pretty good info. Good luck, let us know how the project turns out. -Gage>

Lionfish Hi, I appreciate all the help I have gotten from you guys << Our pleasure >> and I was hoping you could offer an answer to a somewhat silly question. << Sometimes those are the hardest! >>  Do Lionfishes sting other fishes, <<Perhaps accidentally, but -extremely- unlikely in most aquaria. >> <RMF Disagrees... actually quite common>  and can they sting corals such as colt or bubble corals, or any corals for that matter?  << Also could puncture corals, but it'd be a bizarre accident, and is basically unheard of >> Thank You In Advance, Kristie =) << Cheers, Zo >>

Lionfish in cycling period Thank you so much for your advice. Your website proved extremely useful. I have several new questions. The guy who I'm buying the aquarium says due to the height of his tank that he uses snails to clean it and recommends them. However I'm quite sure that lionfish could and would eat snails if given the chance. So should I have snails?  <I'd hold off and see how you feel in a couple of months... the algae that may grow will cause no harm to your Lionfishes. Otherwise, most snails are on the "last to be eaten" scale of their diets.> Also how much live rock would you recommend for a 55? And in your letter you never mentioned the eel.  <As many pounds as you deem esthetically pleasing. I would buy "a box" of about 45 pounds, cure it in place, and see how you feel about its looks> A snowflake moray is defiantly something I want to get after a while.  <This species should do fine with your Lionfishes... just don't let the tank get too crowded... about two large fish total is about all it will take.> My final question is about lionfish markings, baby lions don't have very elaborate stripes but the adults in your book do, so do they grow new markings? <They do change with age... Bob Fenner>

The lion and the shrimp. I have a chu man fu lion and I'm thinking of a dwarf lion. The chu man fu is not interested in the coral banded or the cleaner shrimp yet, he is about 2.5 to 3" long. Will he or a dwarf lion eat my shrimp. The shrimp are a couple of years old and are larger than my lion. Thanks, Dan <<Yep, both a Fu Man Chu, and any Dwarf (probably genus Dendrochirus) Lion will eventually suck up your Shrimp. Probably at night. Bob Fenner>>

Trigger & Lion Hey Bob I Just recently bought a undulated trigger and it has bitten the crap out of my lion fish which is bigger than him. I returned the trigger and got a small Foxface. I was wondering if the lions fins will grow back and if so  how long will it take. Keep in mind that the long fins which float are gone and down to the bone....Thanks, Scott P.S. I also had a copper question...If I had a small case of Ich and used CopperSafe and then was told that copper safe doesn't work as well as some other coppers on the market and used another kind of copper would the copper level be to high if I did it after 24hours?...Thanks for your time.  <<Good questions: Well, if the lionfish's fins weren't bitten all the way back, they will grow back... maybe not as luxuriantly as before... the whole process will take months. The copper question, yes, the copper's are additive... The CopperSafe takes some time to "drop out of solution" so you have to be more than careful to avoid overdosing... and in any case, do get/use a copper test kit with any/all types of copper use... there is not that much of a safety range with this material... too little and it does no good, too much and you can easily poison your fishes... Get that test kit. Bob Fenner>>

Lion fish sting? Hello Robert, I have had a fish and live rock marine tank for two years without any problems since the first six months or so. I completed my weekly water change. About an hour had past when I noticed my Huma Huma trigger on its side with labored breathing and seeming actually paralyzed. All other fish were fine. eighteen hours later the trigger is doing better, now capable of movement but still laying still out of harms way, all else in the tank seems normal. This happened so suddenly and no other symptoms for the trigger or tank mates, could this be the result of my fuzzy dwarf lion? <Maybe... or something to do with the new water... do you pre-mix? Please read: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/water4maruse.htm  and the FAQs beyond> If so can the trigger recover?  <Yes, likely so if it has lived up to this point... do take care not to "change much"... over-feed, alter water chemistry... for a few days> If not, what are some other possibilities? <Perhaps something/someone it ate... like a snail, rock... Hopefully "this too shall pass"... Maybe a temporary loss of dissolved oxygen, capacity for uptake...> thanks and good to know your out there, Mike Browne <Am glad to be here. Bob Fenner>

Scorpionfishes: Lionfishes & Much More for Marine Aquariums
Diversity, Selection & Care

New eBook on Amazon: Available here
New Print Book on Create Space: Available here


by Robert (Bob) Fenner
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