The Volitan Lionfish is the absolute king of the predator reef tank, renowned worldwide for its majestic, feather-like fins and hypnotic, slow-hovering swimming style. This showstopping predator features bold, vertical zebra stripes in deep shades of red, burgundy, chocolate brown, and crisp white. While they are peaceful community members toward any fish too large to swallow whole, they are voracious carnivores that will eagerly consume small fish and ornamental shrimp. Due to their impressive adult size and fast growth rate, they require expansive swimming room and heavy filtration, as well as a respectful aquarist who is always mindful of their highly venomous dorsal spines.
| Attribute |
Detail |
| Scientific Name |
Pterois volitans |
| Care Level |
Easy to Moderate |
| Temperament |
Semi-aggressive (Predatory, peaceful with large tankmates) |
| Diet |
Carnivore (Feeder shrimp, silversides, krill, chunks of fresh seafood) |
| Temperature |
22°C – 26°C |
| pH Range |
8.1 – 8.4 |
| Minimum Tank Size |
450 Litres |
| Reef Compatible |
Yes (With caution—will not harm corals, but will eat small fish and shrimp) |