Fish Survey: Volitans Lionfish [Archive] - Reef Central Online Community

Seafan

12/27/2002, 02:38 PM

Seafan

01/02/2003, 03:55 PM

^^ bump

billsreef

01/02/2003, 09:11 PM

I've only maintained them short term in stores. Waiting till my daughter has outgrown just reaching in or bumping into me while working on the tank before I bring one home for myself ;)

To help you with your quest for info I'll make this a sticky for a bit :cool:

01/03/2003, 07:36 AM

SELECTION
Did you mail order this fish and would you recommend mail order this fish? Are there captive-raised/bred specimen available and where? No, No, and not sure. The first Lion I ordered died, and then I found one at the LFS that was awesome looking. one of the few fish that I think should be hand picked.

Any tips on how you picked a healthy specimen of this species from LFS? What do you think is the ideal size to get? Make sure he eats. And the smaller the better is my opinion. I like to see them grow up.

Are there any noticeable differences in body shape, pattern or color among the same species or between juvenile and adult of this species? Yes, coloration varies greatly. This is the reason i think they should be hand picked by the person looking to aquire one of these awesome fish.

Is there a way to tell the sex of this fish? Not sure.

ACCLIMATION AND INTRODUCTION
Any special tips about the acclimation and introduction of this fish? Nothing outside of the normal procedures.

Any special needs for this fish or special considerations for young specimen? A larger tank will be needed sooner than you think. They grow as fast as you feed them. I currently have mine in a 75 Gallon setup.

Should this fish be the first or the last to introduce to a tank? I don't think it really matters.

COMPATIBILITY
What tankmates do you have with this fish?Is it a reef or FO tank? FO system with some tube feather dusters, star fish, and anemones.

Have you had more than one of this species in the same tank? If so, is there a certain male/female ratio or group number worked for you (to have a harem or pecking order)? Do they school? No

Have you had other species of the same genus/family in the same tank? No

What’s the stocking order (considering the above factors) that worked for you? None

Did this fish hurt/eat any of other fish (or vice versa)? No

Did this fish hurt/eat Cnidaria (corals, mushrooms or anemones)? No

Did this fish hurt/eat ornamental crustaceans (shrimps, hermits, crabs)? No

FEEDING
How did you get this fish to eat at first? Was eating when purchased.

If this fish only accepted live food, how did you wean it over to prepared food? Took to frozen food immediatly. Trick was to wave it around in front of him/her to simulate a live fish.

What’s the diet? Frozen Silver Sides, Frozen Krill, Live Rosies

How much and how often do you feed? I spoil my fish and he eats every other day. Aprox 4-5 large Silver sides and 3-4 full Krill

How does this fish eat?(grazers, active or sedentary predators, sand sifters, etc) Attack mode.

GROWTH RATE AND LIFE SPAN
What is the initial size of your fish and maximum size it reached? How fast did it grow (how much growth over a given period of time)? 3 Inches when purchased, Currently 8 Inches, and it grew to that size in 6 months. (See spoiling the fish above)

What size tank did this fish live in? (or how soon did this fish outgrow what size tank)? What do you think is the minimum tank size required for an adult specimen of this fish? Currently lives in a 75 Gallon bow front. Min I would think should be a 55.

If this fish went through body pattern change from juvenile to adult, was the change complete? How long did it take? N/A

How long have you kept this fish? If you no longer have this fish, what was the cause? 6 months and running

What is the longest lifespan and the maximum size of this fish in home aquarium and/or in the wild reported? Not known

DISEASE AND TREATMENT
What disease has this fish had? How did you treat it, for how long? What's the effect of the treatment? Disease free.

BEHAVIOR
Does this fish change body color under any circumstances? Not generally.

How active is this fish? Is this fish shy? Not shy at all. Very curious and interested when you approach the tank. (Mostly looking for more food)

How territorial or aggressive is this fish? How does this fish interact with tankmates? Ignores all other tank mates (Unless they happen to be too small and can fit inside it's mouth)

Did this fish ever jump out of the tank? No

How does this fish sleep? Generally in a vertical type position after eating, and perhaps the same during lights out.

Does this fish allow cleaners to clean? If so which cleaner and how often? Not that I have seen.

How does this fish interact with human? Very curoius

Any other interesting observation of this fish? None

REPRODUCTION
If you have a mated pair, how did you get them to pair up? N/A

Any information of spawning in captivity? N/A

SUMMARY
Your overall assessment of this species -
How sensitive is this fish to poor water quality on a scale of 1-5? 2

1 - very tolerant, may survive a cycle in a new tank
2 - quite tolerant, may survive accidental ammonia or nitrite spike
3 - not terribly sensitive to reasonable pH, salinity or temperature changes
4 - sensitive to any significant water chemistry changes, and may show stress during such changes
5 - very sensitive to water quality, may easily get stressed and get sick with any change in water chemistry

Would you recommend this fish to beginners? No

Any other recommendations/comments? Awesome fish, just be ready to get a lasrger tank if you start them out in something less than a 55.

If you have any picture(s) of this fish you took, please post it here and share with us! [/B][/QUOTE]

Seafan

01/03/2003, 09:20 AM

Originally posted by billsreef
To help you with your quest for info I'll make this a sticky for a bit :cool:

Thanks Bill. What do you think about such a poll/survey? I'm always interested in the lifespan of the fish in home aquariums, I hope a poll like this could tell us the survival rate of them on one hand, and the longevity of these fish on the other hand, so people don't think it's natural for a fish to live for a few weeks or a few months.

If enough people participate, maybe we could do more polls on other fish?

M.Dandaneau

01/03/2003, 09:52 AM

SELECTION
Did you mail order this fish and would you recommend mail order this fish?
No..I've never needed to mail order fish while living in Florida, and prefer to see fish first hand when possible.
Are there captive-raised/bred specimen available and where?
Unknown
Any tips on how you picked a healthy specimen of this species from LFS?
I look for clear eyes and fins, non-swollen normal gills, and an inquisitive attitude when possible.
What do you think is the ideal size to get?
Unimportant, dependant on aquarium size as they seem hardy at all sizes commonly seen.
Are there any noticeable differences in body shape, pattern or color among the same species or between juvenile and adult of this species?
Juveniles have thinner bodies with MUCH longer fins in proportion, and adults display several common color variations ranging from black/white, red/white, and with varying degrees of striation.
[b]Is there a way to tell the sex of this fish?
Unknown

ACCLIMATION AND INTRODUCTION
[b]Any special tips about the acclimation and introduction of this fish?
None
Any special needs for this fish or special considerations for young specimen?
use care with fin nipping tankmates.
Should this fish be the first or the last to introduce to a tank?Irellevant to the fish

COMPATIBILITY
What tankmates do you have with this fish?Is it a reef or FO tank?Wrasses, Morey eels, a wolf eel, a foxface and several large damselfish.
Have you had more than one of this species in the same tank? If so, is there a certain male/female ratio or group number worked for you (to have a harem or pecking order)? Do they school?Unknown so far...plan to include more.
Have you had other species of the same genus/family in the same tank?
Have kept them with dwarf lions and scorpaenids with no problems.
What’s the stocking order (considering the above factors) that worked for you?
Unimportant.
Did this fish hurt/eat any of other fish (or vice versa)?
Mine have never damaged any fish not intentionally introduced as feeders.
Did this fish hurt/eat Cnidaria (corals, mushrooms or anemones)?
No.
Did this fish hurt/eat ornamental crustaceans (shrimps, hermits, crabs)?
Small shrimp and crabs may be devoured, particularly by young specimens.

FEEDING
How did you get this fish to eat at first?
Introduced live marine feeders.
If this fish only accepted live food, how did you wean it over to prepared food?
N/A...I prefer live feeders by choice, but most seem to accept dead feeders just as readily with little or no effort.
What’s the diet?
My current adult eats live or frozen/dead feeder fish, while my previous specimen also readily accepted frozen or live shrimp.
How much and how often do you feed?
Once or twice daily.
How does this fish eat?
(grazers, active or sedentary predators, sand sifters, etc)
Stalks moving prey then engulfs same with one quick lunge.

GROWTH RATE AND LIFE SPAN
What is the initial size of your fish and maximum size it reached? How fast did it grow (how much growth over a given period of time)?
Currently about 7" and growing slowly. The previous specimen grew from 2" to 7" in about 9 months then slowed in growth.
What size tank did this fish live in? (or how soon did this fish outgrow what size tank)? What do you think is the minimum tank size required for an adult specimen of this fish?
My current specimen resides in a 300 gal. tank. The previous fish leaped out of a 125 gal. tank after 2 years.
If this fish went through body pattern change from juvenile to adult, was the change complete? How long did it take?
Usually assume adult proportions at about 6 months.
How long have you kept this fish? If you no longer have this fish, what was the cause?
Two years before jumping out, the current fish about 6 months.
What is the longest lifespan and the maximum size of this fish in home aquarium and/or in the wild reported?
Unknown, although I've seen them reported as reaching 18".

DISEASE AND TREATMENT
What disease has this fish had? How did you treat it, for how long? What's the effect of the treatment?
Subject to eye clouding with prolonged exposure to high nitrates/phosphates. Cleared up after a weak peroxide dip.

BEHAVIOR
Does this fish change body color under any circumstances?
Yes...both show(ed) often dramatic intensifying of the red coloration dependent on mood and awake or asleep.
How active is this fish? Is this fish shy?
Fairly sedentary except when feeding, but definitely not shy.
How territorial or aggressive is this fish? How does this fish interact with tankmates?
Both specimens I've kept for any length of time show antagonism towards damsels and clownfish, actively chasing them away if they approach too closely.
Did this fish ever jump out of the tank?
Yes. I suspect this occurred while shedding its cuticle.
How does this fish sleep?
Usually head downwards.
Does this fish allow cleaners to clean? If so which cleaner and how often?
Not observed.
How does this fish interact with human?
Very friendly and inquisitive (both) and will move away from the hand in the tank as long as slow non-threatening gestures are used.
Any other interesting observation of this fish?
Use caution when feeding as fins are errected at that time and may project 2"-3" above the water's surface in aquaria.

REPRODUCTION
If you have a mated pair, how did you get them to pair up?
N/A
Any information of spawning in captivity?
Unknown

SUMMARY
Your overall assessment of this species -
How sensitive is this fish to poor water quality on a scale of 1-5?

1 - very tolerant, may survive a cycle in a new tank
2 - quite tolerant, may survive accidental ammonia or nitrite spike
3
- not terribly sensitive to reasonable pH, salinity or temperature changes...my experience is that many to most scorpanaeds are sensitive to high nitrates/phosphates which can result in cloudy eyes and more frequent cuticle shedding.
4 - sensitive to any significant water chemistry changes, and may show stress during such changes
5 - very sensitive to water quality, may easily get stressed and get sick with any change in water chemistry
Would you recommend this fish to beginners?
Only to those wise enough to be aware of its stinging potential and treat it accordingly...sometimes the fish are MUCH smarter than the owners.
Any other recommendations/comments?
Best results in established aquaria, 6 months or more.

If you have any picture(s) of this fish you took, please post it here and share with us!

billsreef

01/03/2003, 07:05 PM

Jason,

I think such surveys and polls, as your inclined to, can provide some usefull information. The only gray area is the relative skill of the individual aquarists involved. Some can keep anything alive for long periods, and sadly some kill everything in short order and even accept it as the norm :(

mattsilvester

01/12/2003, 06:07 AM

Oh dear - too many specific questions......

The fish that I got was tiny when I got him..... maybe 2" body.

I introduced him to my 100 gal tank in the normal 30 min acclimatisation way.

He settled well and took about a week or two to feed on anything that was dropped in.

initially, food was put in his face using chopsticks - bits of shrimp

after that he would gulp down anything, and competed for food well against a large tang and large trigger and small mac angel.

I had him for about 5 or 6 months.

He grew well - more than doubling in size in this time period.

the tank got ich - i was suprised the lion was infected too- but responded well to copper along with the rest.

only thing he bothered was the angel - not trying to eat it, was far too big, but chasing it away from its proximity

the only thing that bothered it was a regal tang, nipped off two if its long side fins.

would i recommend it to a begginer - NO, based on specialised feeding and poor compatability with other fish, and overall size and expertise required to manage system required for large volitans lion.

does it change body shape - proportionally, the body gets larger and the fins smaller.

sensitivity to water - about 2

recommendations - think about it before you buy one. these are really specialist fish, and are often subject to other fish tormenting it. there are loads of reasons why you might return yours to the LFS, and you haven't thought of most of them!!! Think about it - how many people woul be interested in buying your 12" volitans when you don't want it anymore - not many.
If you look at the survey so far, a qurater of people keep this fish for less than 6 months - so please do not recommend it to beginers or "just try one" unless you are sure you want it. Mine was returned because my tank broke, and I cannot provide suitable accomodation - thankfully he was only 4".

Regards,
Matt

M.Dandaneau

01/12/2003, 12:38 PM

Good points Matt, but there's always the other side of the same argument.
We are currently switching the 300 over to an ambush predator tank..........when you combine the whole scorpaenid group, there is more than enough color there to satisfy all but the flashiest hobbyist, very little interspecies aggression on the whole, and a laid back "mellow" tank that you'll not find anywhere else, to us the ultimate in a slow motion peaceful surrealistic effect, particularly when you consider that at any given moment some of the LR is likely to move to another location.**grin**
As to size and hardiness, here's a group as a whole that are likely to be with you for years, so the biggest drawback is probably for the easily bored who has to have constant change.

ottbucks

01/24/2003, 05:56 PM

About 14 years ago, i kept a Volitan in a 20g tank. The tank was using an undergravel filter. There were no other live species in the tank. Water changes were performed every few months. No special lighting was needed. Elkhart, IN city water was used.
The Lion was small when i bought him from my LFS. His diet started with small guppies, until he became big enought to eat gold fish. I always kept him on live food. When he was broght home, his size was about 2" pectoral. Appx 4 years later, when he died, i would estimate his size at 6".
I was really green when i got him. Looking back, i now realize how lucky i was to keep him that long.

Jeff

J Crew

04/05/2003, 06:05 PM

SELECTION
Did you mail order this fish and would you recommend mail order this fish? Are there captive-raised/bred specimen available and where? No

Any tips on how you picked a healthy specimen of this species from LFS? What do you think is the ideal size to get? The lion was give to me

Are there any noticeable differences in body shape, pattern or color among the same species or between juvenile and adult of this species? N/A

Is there a way to tell the sex of this fish? Not that I'm aware of... but I don't know how to sex fish either.

ACCLIMATION AND INTRODUCTION
Any special tips about the acclimation and introduction of this fish? I used the adding one ounce of tank water to the bag every 5 minutes. Once it was pretty full, i dumped half the water from the container and added one ounce per 5 minutes again. Once it was pretty full again, i added the fish.

Any special needs for this fish or special considerations for young specimen? Got him as an adult

Should this fish be the first or the last to introduce to a tank? Not sure, he was given to me with two eels and they were all added in my tank at the same time.

COMPATIBILITY
What tankmates do you have with this fish?Is it a reef or FO tank? The tank he is in, is and 85 gallon hex FOWLR

Have you had more than one of this species in the same tank? If so, is there a certain male/female ratio or group number worked for you (to have a harem or pecking order)? Do they school? No

Have you had other species of the same genus/family in the same tank? No

What’s the stocking order (considering the above factors) that worked for you? N/A

Did this fish hurt/eat any of other fish (or vice versa)? Yes, my yellow tail damsel

Did this fish hurt/eat Cnidaria (corals, mushrooms or anemones)? Yes, mushrooms

Did this fish hurt/eat ornamental crustaceans (shrimps, hermits, crabs)? No

FEEDING
How did you get this fish to eat at first? Dropped in some scallops and he tore into them.

If this fish only accepted live food, how did you wean it over to prepared food? N/A

What’s the diet? Enriched frozen brine and scallops

How much and how often do you feed? Once every other day

How does this fish eat?sedentary predator

GROWTH RATE AND LIFE SPAN
What is the initial size of your fish and maximum size it reached? How fast did it grow (how much growth over a given period of time)? In about 7 months it grown about an inch. It is currently about 10 inches

What size tank did this fish live in? (or how soon did this fish outgrow what size tank)? What do you think is the minimum tank size required for an adult specimen of this fish? 75 gallons is the minimum.

If this fish went through body pattern change from juvenile to adult, was the change complete? How long did it take? N/A.

How long have you kept this fish? If you no longer have this fish, what was the cause? About 7 months, but my friend had him for about a year before me.

What is the longest lifespan and the maximum size of this fish in home aquarium and/or in the wild reported? N/A

DISEASE AND TREATMENT
What disease has this fish had? How did you treat it, for how long? What's the effect of the treatment? None

BEHAVIOR
Does this fish change body color under any circumstances?
How active is this fish? Is this fish shy?
How territorial or aggressive is this fish? How does this fish interact with tankmates?
Did this fish ever jump out of the tank?
How does this fish sleep?
Does this fish allow cleaners to clean? If so which cleaner and how often?
How does this fish interact with human?
Any other interesting observation of this fish?

REPRODUCTION
If you have a mated pair, how did you get them to pair up? N/A

Any information of spawning in captivity? No

SUMMARY
Your overall assessment of this species -
How sensitive is this fish to poor water quality on a scale of 1-5? 1

1 - very tolerant, may survive a cycle in a new tank
2 - quite tolerant, may survive accidental ammonia or nitrite spike
3 - not terribly sensitive to reasonable pH, salinity or temperature changes
4 - sensitive to any significant water chemistry changes, and may show stress during such changes
5 - very sensitive to water quality, may easily get stressed and get sick with any change in water chemistry
Would you recommend this fish to beginners? Yes

Any other recommendations/comments? It's a great fish that's not really active until feeding time.

Paladin

04/18/2003, 03:11 PM

SELECTION
Did you mail order this fish and would you recommend mail order this fish? Are there captive-raised/bred specimen available and where?
No--purchased at LFS.
Any tips on how you picked a healthy specimen of this species from LFS? What do you think is the ideal size to get?
I just made sure he was swimming without problems.
Are there any noticeable differences in body shape, pattern or color among the same species or between juvenile and adult of this species?
Juveniles seems thinner.
Is there a way to tell the sex of this fish?
I haven't done enough research to know this.

ACCLIMATION AND INTRODUCTION
Any special tips about the acclimation and introduction of this fish?
Nothing special, just the typical acclimation methods of introducing some tank water gradually to the bag.
Any special needs for this fish or special considerations for young specimen?
Just be prepared for its growth. I've had it for over 2 years in a 29g, and it's too big for that. I am in the process of setting up a 125g and will be moving it very soon!
Should this fish be the first or the last to introduce to a tank?
I believe it should be one of the first fish if you're planning to get others that are considered aggressive. If you put the lion in to a tank that already contains aggressive fish, then the lion may be fending itself from its attackers.

COMPATIBILITY
What tankmates do you have with this fish?Is it a reef or FO tank?
I have a FOWLR, with a zebra eel and a few hermit crabs. When I first got the lion, I had a green chromis and a gobie that were only slightly smaller than the lion. Eventually, the 2 mysteriously disappeared--at different times. And coincidentally, the lion appeared a bit larger during those times!
Have you had more than one of this species in the same tank? If so, is there a certain male/female ratio or group number worked for you (to have a harem or pecking order)? Do they school?
n/a
Have you had other species of the same genus/family in the same tank?
n/a
What’s the stocking order (considering the above factors) that worked for you?
Did this fish hurt/eat any of other fish (or vice versa)?
It didn't hurt the fish, just ate 'em.
Did this fish hurt/eat Cnidaria (corals, mushrooms or anemones)?
no
Did this fish hurt/eat ornamental crustaceans (shrimps, hermits, crabs)?
no

FEEDING
How did you get this fish to eat at first?
It immediately took to frozen brine. When it was younger, it would wait for the frozen brine to melt away from the cube, then eat a few at a time. Now, it just swallows the whole cube.
If this fish only accepted live food, how did you wean it over to prepared food?
n/a
What’s the diet?
I feed it frozen brine, frozen krill (it loves that!), and on very rare occasions, live feeders (just to keep its hunting skills up).
How much and how often do you feed?
Once a day or every other day.
How does this fish eat?(grazers, active or sedentary predators, sand sifters, etc)
Swallows food whole.

GROWTH RATE AND LIFE SPAN
What is the initial size of your fish and maximum size it reached? How fast did it grow (how much growth over a given period of time)?
Initial size was approximately 4 in. In 2 years, it's grown to about 7 in.
What size tank did this fish live in? (or how soon did this fish outgrow what size tank)? What do you think is the minimum tank size required for an adult specimen of this fish?
I've had it for over 2 years in the same 29g. I'm about to move it to a 125g. I would say the minimum for an adult is 100g.
If this fish went through body pattern change from juvenile to adult, was the change complete? How long did it take?
I wasn't paying too close attention to pattern changes.
How long have you kept this fish? If you no longer have this fish, what was the cause?
I've had it now for over 2 years.
What is the longest lifespan and the maximum size of this fish in home aquarium and/or in the wild reported?
Don't know.

DISEASE AND TREATMENT
What disease has this fish had? How did you treat it, for how long? What's the effect of the treatment?
No diseases.

BEHAVIOR
Does this fish change body color under any circumstances?
It seems to get a bit darker with water changes.
How active is this fish? Is this fish shy?
Very active, and not shy at all.
How territorial or aggressive is this fish? How does this fish interact with tankmates?
Not aggressive.
Did this fish ever jump out of the tank?
no
How does this fish sleep?
It usually hangs out near the bottom of the tank.
Does this fish allow cleaners to clean? If so which cleaner and how often?
n/a
How does this fish interact with human?
It seems to know when I'm about to feed it. When I go to get the pack of frozen brine and then pop one open, it immediately goes to the tank wall to where I'm approaching the tank. Other times when I approach the tank but not about to feed it, it doesn't do anything special.
Any other interesting observation of this fish?
Sometimes I observe it just staring to the surface, appearing to be waiting for any signs of food.

REPRODUCTION
If you have a mated pair, how did you get them to pair up?
no
Any information of spawning in captivity?
n/a

SUMMARY
Your overall assessment of this species -
How sensitive is this fish to poor water quality on a scale of 1-5?
1 - very tolerant, may survive a cycle in a new tank
2 - quite tolerant, may survive accidental ammonia or nitrite spike
3 - not terribly sensitive to reasonable pH, salinity or temperature changes
4 - sensitive to any significant water chemistry changes, and may show stress during such changes
5 - very sensitive to water quality, may easily get stressed and get sick with any change in water chemistry
At least a 2, maybe even a 1. Very hardy fish

Would you recommend this fish to beginners?
I would recommend only if the beginner is aware of the possibility of being "stung". Just be careful when placing hands into the tank. Otherwise, very hardy fish.
Any other recommendations/comments?
Very pretty fish to look at and observe.

Jane

04/20/2003, 12:47 AM

Originally posted by Seafan
The following is is a list of questions/topics about this fish species. If you would like to include them in your reply, click on the last icon of this post (Reply with Quote), and remove the [ QUOTE ] [ B ] tag in the beginning and the at the end.

SELECTION
Did you mail order this fish and would you recommend mail order this fish? Are there captive-raised/bred specimen available and where? Bought at LPS
Any tips on how you picked a healthy specimen of this species from LFS? What do you think is the ideal size to get? N/A It was the only one to puick from but his colors were beautiful
Are there any noticeable differences in body shape, pattern or color among the same species or between juvenile and adult of this species? Don't know
Is there a way to tell the sex of this fish? I don't know but from reading up on iy I understand you can not tell the difference

ACCLIMATION AND INTRODUCTION
Any special tips about the acclimation and introduction of this fish?Same as any other
Any special needs for this fish or special considerations for young specimens? They do not like bright light
Should this fish be the first or the last to introduce to a tank? N/A

COMPATIBILITY
What tankmates do you have with this fish?Is it a reef or FO tank? Hermits, conchs, BTA, LTA, cucumber. Reef
Have you had more than one of this species in the same tank? If so, is there a certain male/female ratio or group number worked for you (to have a harem or pecking order)? Do they school? No
Have you had other species of the same genus/family in the same tank? No
What’s the stocking order (considering the above factors) that worked for you? n/a
Did this fish hurt/eat any of other fish (or vice versa)? I tried to keep a hippo tang with it but the lion would push the hippo into hiding ...defending territory I think
Did this fish hurt/eat Cnidaria (corals, mushrooms or anemones)? No
Did this fish hurt/eat ornamental crustaceans (shrimps, hermits, crabs)? Not sure. Missing a mithrix crab and a serpent star but not sure if the lion is at fault.

FEEDING
How did you get this fish to eat at first? wiggling Krill on a feeding stick
If this fish only accepted live food, how did you wean it over to prepared food? wiggling krill on a clear acrylic feeding stick and making sure that the krill had "eyes" intact for the lion to see
What’s the diet? Krill, scallops, squid
How much and how often do you feed? Every 3 days
How does this fish eat?(grazers, active or sedentary predators, sand sifters, etc) Very active ! Gets very excited when I walk to the tank and if it sees the feeding stick it goes crazy

GROWTH RATE AND LIFE SPAN
What is the initial size of your fish and maximum size it reached? How fast did it grow (how much growth over a given period of time)? 7" to 8" now 5" when purchased
What size tank did this fish live in? (or how soon did this fish outgrow what size tank)? What do you think is the minimum tank size required for an adult specimen of this fish? 72 gal bow. This is the minimum that I would keep this fish in. I feel they belong in a 180 + at full size
If this fish went through body pattern change from juvenile to adult, was the change complete? How long did it take? No change
How long have you kept this fish? If you no longer have this fish, what was the cause? 2 years and still with me
What is the longest lifespan and the maximum size of this fish in home aquarium and/or in the wild reported?I am not sure of the age but I have read they can reach 18"

DISEASE AND TREATMENT
What disease has this fish had? How did you treat it, for how long? What's the effect of the treatment? Shortly after I got this fish he had ich. I soaked krill in freshly crushed garlic and that cured it. I continued this type of feeding for months because the lion wouldn't eat the krill with out the garlic. I had to slowly wean it off

BEHAVIOR
Does this fish change body color under any circumstances? Gets extremely dark if disturbed too much
How active is this fish? Is this fish shy? Not shy at all. Very curious.
How territorial or aggressive is this fish? How does this fish interact with tankmates? No other tank mates because it seemed territorial when I tried to keep others.
Did this fish ever jump out of the tank? No
How does this fish sleep? In a verticle position
Does this fish allow cleaners to clean? If so which cleaner and how often? no
How does this fish interact with human? Very curious..right in your face as you look into the tank
Any other interesting observation of this fish? Not sure why it does this but every night when the lights go to just actinic it will go to the far corner of the tank and spit water out. Just one spit each night but enough so I hear it. I had to sit and watch this everynight for awhile ...still can't figure out why it does it

REPRODUCTION
If you have a mated pair, how did you get them to pair up?n/a
Any information of spawning in captivity? n/a

SUMMARY
Your overall assessment of this species -
How sensitive is this fish to poor water quality on a scale of 1-5?

2- quite tolerant, may survive accidental ammonia or nitrite spike
3- not terribly sensitive to reasonable pH, salinity or temperature changes

Would you recommend this fish to beginners? Not really. First because of the caution that need to be taken as not to get poked by it's spines, Mostly because I think too many feed the fish fresh water live foods which is not it's natural diet. (which is what most LPS will tell you to do which is wrong)
Any other recommendations/comments?

If you have any picture(s) of this fish you took, please post it here and share with us!

ChasingPuck

06/02/2003, 01:52 PM

SELECTION
Did you mail order this fish and would you recommend mail order this fish? Are there captive-raised/bred specimen available and where? LFS purchase (traded for a pair of pesky percula). No, I haven't ever seen CB lions locally.
Any tips on how you picked a healthy specimen of this species from LFS? What do you think is the ideal size to get? I think the smaller sized animals acclimate more readily to an aquarium. Ours was about 2 inches (nose to tail fin).
Are there any noticeable differences in body shape, pattern or color among the same species or between juvenile and adult of this species? The horns--some fish seem to lose them, while others don't. Not sure why that is--I've never noticed any reliable correlations between keeping them and losing them.
Is there a way to tell the sex of this fish? Don't know.

ACCLIMATION AND INTRODUCTION
Any special tips about the acclimation and introduction of this fish?
Any special needs for this fish or special considerations for young specimen? Smaller specimens will try to eat foods much larger than they can take. Smaller foods are better.
Should this fish be the first or the last to introduce to a tank? Ours was introduced last to the reef, was there for about 1 year, and has been in the FO for about 1.5 years, where it was introduced after a trigger, before the eel, and mandarin goby.

COMPATIBILITY
What tankmates do you have with this fish?Is it a reef or FO tank? Smaller fish are a no-no, but small fish that don't occupy the water column, like the mandarin goby, lawn mower blenny and such are ignored. As above, this guy was in the reef until he was big enough to threaten it's smaller denizens.
Have you had more than one of this species in the same tank? If so, is there a certain male/female ratio or group number worked for you (to have a harem or pecking order)? Do they school? NA
Have you had other species of the same genus/family in the same tank? NA
What’s the stocking order (considering the above factors) that worked for you? As above.
Did this fish hurt/eat any of other fish (or vice versa)? As Above.
Did this fish hurt/eat Cnidaria (corals, mushrooms or anemones)? No, nor did it blunder into them and get stung.
Did this fish hurt/eat ornamental crustaceans (shrimps, hermits, crabs)? No, but I wouldn't trust him if hungry.

FEEDING
How did you get this fish to eat at first? Was eating prepared frozen foods at time of purchase.
If this fish only accepted live food, how did you wean it over to prepared food?
What’s the diet? Currently, a mix of frozen fish/shrimp/squid/mussel, as well as Formula One prepared frozen food.
How much and how often do you feed? Every other day, enough that everyone gets 2-3 small pieces, (small being the size of an average fingernail).
How does this fish eat?(grazers, active or sedentary predators, sand sifters, etc) Gulper--sucks down water and extracts the food bits. Guess it would be a sedentary predator.

GROWTH RATE AND LIFE SPAN
What is the initial size of your fish and maximum size it reached? How fast did it grow (how much growth over a given period of time)? 2 inches, now about 8 inches. Grew much faster once moved to the FO tank (higher protien intake). He was about 4 inches when we moved him, so has doubled in the last 18 months.
What size tank did this fish live in? (or how soon did this fish outgrow what size tank)? What do you think is the minimum tank size required for an adult specimen of this fish? Currently in a 65. I think that a bigger tank is always better, but the important thing to provide is rock work--these guys like to hang out under shelf work. Being able to turn around without banging into things is important as well, so the dimensions of the tank should be considered first.
If this fish went through body pattern change from juvenile to adult, was the change complete? How long did it take?
How long have you kept this fish? If you no longer have this fish, what was the cause? 2.5 years.
What is the longest lifespan and the maximum size of this fish in home aquarium and/or in the wild reported?

DISEASE AND TREATMENT
What disease has this fish had? How did you treat it, for how long? What's the effect of the treatment?

BEHAVIOR
Does this fish change body color under any circumstances?
How active is this fish? Is this fish shy? Not shy, but not really active. He swims in the water column about half the time (more active as feeding time approaches).
How territorial or aggressive is this fish? How does this fish interact with tankmates? Very bold. Doesn't get pushed around, but is not aggressive, and doesn't attack others.
Did this fish ever jump out of the tank? Not out of the tank, but it will jump to get food, or if threatened.
How does this fish sleep? Hanging upside down in some rock work.
Does this fish allow cleaners to clean? If so which cleaner and how often?
How does this fish interact with human? Yes, but not on the same level as a puffer.
Any other interesting observation of this fish?

REPRODUCTION
If you have a mated pair, how did you get them to pair up?
Any information of spawning in captivity?

SUMMARY
Your overall assessment of this species -
How sensitive is this fish to poor water quality on a scale of 1-5? NA
1 - very tolerant, may survive a cycle in a new tank
2 - quite tolerant, may survive accidental ammonia or nitrite spike
3 - not terribly sensitive to reasonable pH, salinity or temperature changes
4 - sensitive to any significant water chemistry changes, and may show stress during such changes
5 - very sensitive to water quality, may easily get stressed and get sick with any change in water chemistry
Would you recommend this fish to beginners? Only if they will make sure it takes prepared foods, and not give in to the temptation to overfeed. The biggest problem with lions is angering them during cleaning/tank maintenance.
Any other recommendations/comments?

If you have any picture(s) of this fish you took, please post it here and share with us! [/B][/QUOTE]

luvtolean

06/27/2003, 06:26 PM

I was given a 45 gallon tank with a Volitans, large domino damsel(toughest meanest fish I've ever seen) and a large tomato clown. I was completely new to salt water, and these 3 fish luckily were very hardy.

I'd say no real special procedures for introducing/moving them, but make sure you don't get poked. Those spines are poisonous, and they can poke through bags. Also don't use a net, they'll get tangled up.

Mine grew to be about 12" long with his fin. I had him for 3 years, and I've never had a fish that interacted more with humans and other fish. Like it was mentioned, mine was very bold, but not at all aggressive (as long as the fish were big enough to not be dinner). In fact he almost acted as peacekeeper, chasing other fish when they fought.

It would follow me around the room, and if I looked into the tank, it would look back at me.

After a year or so, tomato clown and damsel got into a terminal battle I didn't really understand at the time. The damsel was too stressed and succumbed to parasites. The clown, who was very territorial, was found dead on the bottom, with a spine sticking out of the side. The lionfish was in the clown's "bed" and pouted. He wouldn't eat for days. I've never seen anything like it, it seemed like he had accidentally killed the clown and was sad.

His brown lines would turn almost red when he was ****ed, like when I'd do a water change, or had a net in the tank for something. He'd yawn when he woke up in the morning. I've never seen such an animated fish before or since.

He was amazingly quick when hunting. At his largest size, I'd feed him 5 goldfish at a time. He could eat 2 or 3 in one bite.

I moved to a place I couldn't keep the tank, and gave it to my brother who killed it. I'm still ****ed about it.

BlAcK VoLiTaN ';.;'

07/20/2003, 12:50 PM

I haven't had my lionfish but I have heard that they can live up to 20-25 years

Seafan

07/21/2003, 03:33 PM

based on the posts to this thread, I've put together a web page on the volitans lionfish here:

FAQs of volitans lionfish (http://www22.brinkster.com/seafan/fish/fr027volitanslion/volitanslion.html)

welcome any comments or suggestions, and I'll keep checking back for new info if more people post to this thread.

Thank you for your participation to the poll!

Jason

cwschoon

07/23/2003, 03:10 PM

Will a Black V. maintain its color throughout its lifespan? Does diet play a role?

Fish-o-holic

08/27/2003, 02:26 PM

Just lost my 1 month 4" violitan this morning... :(

M.Dandaneau

08/27/2003, 06:39 PM

Very nice website Seafan, acutally much better than I expected.....it's nice to be pleasantly surprised.
Keep up the very good work.

dave_b

11/14/2003, 03:44 PM

bit late i know.. just logged onto the forums after many many months away.. no reef/fish tank for me ne more. so just a pic ;)
http://www.david-bentley.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/lion1.jpg

RadiataDude

01/24/2004, 02:05 PM

SELECTION
Did you mail order this fish and would you recommend mail order this fish? Are there captive-raised/bred specimen available and where?

I ordered the fish (both a Volitan and Radiata) from the LFS. I have never seen any captive/bred specimens offered, and I'm not even sure if they can breed in captivity.

Any tips on how you picked a healthy specimen of this species from LFS? What do you think is the ideal size to get?

My experience with lionfish has been to chose a lionfish that is medium-sized. I normally try to avoid small Volitans because I've traditionally had a harder time trying to get them to feed than larger ones. I wouldn't get a Volitan over 5 inches, though, due to their nature of growing very fast.

Are there any noticeable differences in body shape, pattern or color among the same species or between juvenile and adult of this species?

Yes, the juvenile Volatin's fins are thinner and are not as thickly defined as the adults. Also, as the lionfish age, some lose their horns at the front of their head (all of mine have). The juveniles, in my opinion, are more attractive (but you kinda get attached).

Is there a way to tell the sex of this fish?

Never tried. Can't tell ya.

ACCLIMATION AND INTRODUCTION
Any special tips about the acclimation and introduction of this fish?

Volitans, in my opinion, are one of the easiest fish to accimilate to the tank environment. I would recommend introducing the volatin with any other lionfish at the same time. Volatins will shy for a few hours, but after that they'll be a show fish.

Any special needs for this fish or special considerations for young specimen?

None that I can see. Bright light should be avoided for the first few days.

Should this fish be the first or the last to introduce to a tank?

Volatins, if that's all you're adding, can be added whenever.

COMPATIBILITY
What tankmates do you have with this fish?Is it a reef or FO tank?

I have a FO tank with the Volitan and a large-sized Radiata lionfish.

Have you had more than one of this species in the same tank? If so, is there a certain male/female ratio or group number worked for you (to have a harem or pecking order)? Do they school?

Yes, for about 2 months and I noticed nothing special.

Have you had other species of the same genus/family in the same tank?

N/A

What’s the stocking order (considering the above factors) that worked for you?

N/A

Did this fish hurt/eat any of other fish (or vice versa)?

Yes, they've eated a few damsels (the ones I used to cycle the tank with).

Did this fish hurt/eat Cnidaria (corals, mushrooms or anemones)?

N/A

Did this fish hurt/eat ornamental crustaceans (shrimps, hermits, crabs)?

No, the Volitan hasn't bothered the few hermit crabs I've had in the tank.

FEEDING
How did you get this fish to eat at first?

The first feeding consisted of live ghost shrimp that were eaten rather quickly.

If this fish only accepted live food, how did you wean it over to prepared food?

The Volitan, at least in my experience, was extremely quick on learning to eat prepared food such as frozen silversides and shrimp. To wean them over, I would use a feeding stick (basically a long clear plastic skewer). I merely would place the silversides on the end of the stick and wave the food in front of them as if the silverside was resurected. The Volitans would eventually catch on to this before the 4th or so try and from then on would eat the prepared food. Now, all I have to do is merely drop the shrimp in the tank and they'll eat it without the feeding stick.

What's the diet?

Prepared shrimp from the grocery store, silversides (frozen in the package), ghost shrimp, and sometimes a freshwater (NOT GOLDFISH) treat from the pet-store.

How much and how often do you feed?

I feed mine maybe two times a week. I feed them generously and you can watch their stomachs go down. Some people feed theirs every other day, but the more you feed them, the faster they'll grow.

How does this fish eat?(grazers, active or sedentary predators, sand sifters, etc)

Regular sedentary predator procedure.

GROWTH RATE AND LIFE SPAN
What is the initial size of your fish and maximum size it reached? How fast did it grow (how much growth over a given period of time)?

I bought the Volitan I currently own at about 4 inches... it's about 5 inches. (about 8-9 months to get there).

What size tank did this fish live in? (or how soon did this fish outgrow what size tank)? What do you think is the minimum tank size required for an adult specimen of this fish?

The fish resides in a 25 gallon tank (FO). The minimum tank size is 20-25 gallons due to the high protein diet required. Bigger>better, but I'm in a college dorm that is limited.

If this fish went through body pattern change from juvenile to adult, was the change complete? How long did it take?

Not sure on the time it takes, because I bought mine into adulthood.

How long have you kept this fish? If you no longer have this fish, what was the cause?

I've kept this one for about 8-9 months. I've had another one that lived for about 1.5 years until I had to give him to a friend because I couldn't get a larger tank (college situation).

What is the longest lifespan and the maximum size of this fish in home aquarium and/or in the wild reported?

Dunno. Google for it.

DISEASE AND TREATMENT
What disease has this fish had? How did you treat it, for how long? What's the effect of the treatment?

The fish came with a parasite that affected all of the fish in the tank. I performed a copper treatment (remember this is a FO tank), and I performed some freshwater dips on all the specimens in the tank. It worked fine, and the parasite was killed.

BEHAVIOR
Does this fish change body color under any circumstances?

Not that I've noticed.

How active is this fish? Is this fish shy?

The Volitan is pretty active and is always greeting people that come into the room.

How territorial or aggressive is this fish? How does this fish interact with tankmates?

Since it is with another lionfish, they act as if the other does not exist. It's a pretty laid back species.

Did this fish ever jump out of the tank?

Thank god, no.

How does this fish sleep?

In the rock/fake coral formations of the tank... just lounges around either upside down or whatnot.

Does this fish allow cleaners to clean? If so which cleaner and how often?

N/A

How does this fish interact with human?

Mine is very social and will come to the edge of the tank when you're looking at it. He only reacts to certain people, myself and one of my roommates... most likely because I'm the one that feeds him...

He also can feel the vibration of music in the water and will swim vertically up and down during Aerosmith songs... (Coincidence? :) )

Any other interesting observation of this fish?

Above.

REPRODUCTION
If you have a mated pair, how did you get them to pair up?
Any information of spawning in captivity?

N/A

SUMMARY
Your overall assessment of this species -
How sensitive is this fish to poor water quality on a scale of 1-5?
1 - very tolerant, may survive a cycle in a new tank
2 - quite tolerant, may survive accidental ammonia or nitrite spike
3 - not terribly sensitive to reasonable pH, salinity or temperature changes
4 - sensitive to any significant water chemistry changes, and may show stress during such changes
5 - very sensitive to water quality, may easily get stressed and get sick with any change in water chemistry

The Volitan, in my experience is very hardy and said to survive the cycle (wouldn't try it). However, I'd have to give it a 2.

Would you recommend this fish to beginners?

No, only because of the venemous spines on these guys. Otherwise they'd be great beginner fish.

Any other recommendations/comments?

Don't get stuck with one of these guys... the pain is tremendous and might require medical assistance... If you get stung... put your hand under scalding hot water.

If you have any picture(s) of this fish you took, please post it here and share with us! [/B][/QUOTE]

RadiataDude

01/24/2004, 02:17 PM

Woops.. I forgot the picture.

http://home.cfl.rr.com/icecor/DSCF0022.jpg

Trekkie

02/21/2004, 09:12 PM

SELECTION
Did you mail order this fish and would you recommend mail order this fish?

No, There is an excellent LFS in Wichita, KS where I lived at the time that I got him from. (Don't know for sure it was a him)

Are there captive-raised/bred specimen available and where?

Don't Know.

Any tips on how you picked a healthy specimen of this species from LFS?

I trusted the LFS, they had an excellent setup and let you check it out and had a 400+ Gallon display tank full of various angels.

What do you think is the ideal size to get?

I thought it was nice to get a small one and watch him grow

Are there any noticeable differences in body shape, pattern or color among the same species or between juvenile and adult of this species?

Not that I could tell

Is there a way to tell the sex of this fish?

No Clue

ACCLIMATION AND INTRODUCTION
Any special tips about the acclimation and introduction of this fish?

This is a toughie. The guy big or small has nice pointy poisonous barbs that you need to respect. However we double bagged him (baby, about 1" long) and I had no problem aclimating to my tank. Old Blue (a damsel) lasted a day before he became a meal

Any special needs for this fish or special considerations for young specimen?

Not that I know of

Should this fish be the first or the last to introduce to a tank?

He was my third, after I put in a picasso trigger.

COMPATIBILITY
What tankmates do you have with this fish?

Picasso Trigger
Imperator Angel
Blue Tang

Is it a reef or FO tank?

It was FO, no live rock.

Have you had more than one of this species in the same tank?

No

Did this fish hurt/eat any of other fish (or vice versa)?

If it fit in it's mouth, it was eaten.

Did this fish hurt/eat Cnidaria (corals, mushrooms or anemones)?

Dunno, didn't have any

Did this fish hurt/eat ornamental crustaceans (shrimps, hermits, crabs)?

Dunno, didn't have any

FEEDING
How did you get this fish to eat at first?

He ate a damsel I had in there, so apparently he did fine.

If this fish only accepted live food, how did you wean it over to prepared food?

I didn't, and I regret this. I didn't know that goldfish would cause problems. This is what the folks told me to feed them and I did. he lived for 4 years and then the last few days he kinda bent midway down and there was a dark spot. He died a few days later.

WhatÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s the diet?

Goldfish - but now I'm told Silver Sides are what you should feed them. Have not found much on feeding Lions anymore.

How much and how often do you feed?

When he was big I fed him 4 GF every other day.

How does this fish eat?

GLOMP! Casually swims up and bang it's gone.

GROWTH RATE AND LIFE SPAN
What is the initial size of your fish and maximum size it reached? How fast did it grow (how much growth over a given period of time)?

I didn't actively measure it, but within a few years he was as side fin to fin as my 55 gallon tank and was a site to behold.

What size tank did this fish live in? (or how soon did this fish outgrow what size tank)?

55 Gallon. He probably should have moved to a bigger tank by the time he'd grown, he was probably 12" - 18" wide with his fins splayed out.

What do you think is the minimum tank size required for an adult specimen of this fish?

I would say something wide would be nice, like 75 Gallon or maybe even 90 - 125

If this fish went through body pattern change from juvenile to adult, was the change complete?

No.

How long have you kept this fish?

He lived 4 years

If you no longer have this fish, what was the cause?

He died, I don't know for sure why but there was a dark spot about mid way down his back internally, looked like an organ ruptured and he slowly bled out the next day or two.

What is the longest lifespan and the maximum size of this fish in home aquarium and/or in the wild reported?

Don't know.

DISEASE AND TREATMENT

No Diseases.

BEHAVIOR
Does this fish change body color under any circumstances?

no

How active is this fish?

he was a slow mover, never bothered anyone unless he ate the goldfish.

How territorial or aggressive is this fish?

Not agressive unless it's smaller than his mouth, then he eats it.

How does this fish interact with tankmates?

Eats them if they're smaller or close to the size of his mouth, otherwise he left them all alone.

Did this fish ever jump out of the tank?

No, god that'd been ugly if that happened.

How does this fish sleep?

floating, never noticed anything

Does this fish allow cleaners to clean?

Didn't have any

How does this fish interact with human?

he would stare you down, never swam up at you while you were changing water or anything, rather calm.

Any other interesting observation of this fish?

If you have another meat eater that will go after the live food you potentially could have a problem. After 4 years of keeping him with a Huma Huma Trigger they both went for the same goldfish at the same time and the trigger got swallowed about half-way in. It was a stressful few seconds for all involved including me screaming at the tank going 'spit him out spit him out'.

Unfortunately after that incident the trigger died a day later.

REPRODUCTION

They got pointy fins that poison people? They mate? ;) Seriously though I only had one.

SUMMARY
Your overall assessment of this species -
How sensitive is this fish to poor water quality on a scale of 1-5?

3

Would you recommend this fish to beginners?

Yes.

Any other recommendations/comments?

Feed him something that is saltwater based, not freshwater. You will kill him / her slowly over a few years if you don't.

I wish I'd been able to get a picture of him. he was a beautiful fish and I still miss him.

Lionfish01

02/21/2004, 09:37 PM

OK here is the Facts on feeding a lionfish.

Goldfish are the worst feeders for a lionfish. They are high in fats and do not have the neccesary nutrients for a lion. Ghost Shrimp are the best live feeders (unless you live by the ocean, then you can catch marine minnows or shrimp.) Gut load these shrimp and feed them to your lion. Depending on the size of your lion determines how much you should feed him.
If your lion is:
1-5 inches--feed it everyday about 1-3 ghost shrimp daily. Try not to feed all at once. Space it out in the day.

6-11 inches-- feed it every 2 days about 1-4 ghost shrimp.

12-max inches-- feed it every 3 days about 1-5 ghost shrimp.

After the lion gets settled in his new home start trying to wean it over. Silversides and mysis shrimp ought to work. Impale the food with a piece of rigid airline tubing or a feeding stick and wiggle it so it looks alive. Keep trying until it accepts prepared foods.

Hope this helps.:smokin:

Trekkie

02/21/2004, 09:48 PM

What do silversides look like? One place they looked like forzen minnows and they were longer than the lion fish. The other place they were this tiny little white things with black eyes. Both were given to me at different stores when I asked for them

Lionfish01

02/21/2004, 09:58 PM

Silversides are marine minnows. Try the ones that are smaller than the lionfish. As the lion gets bigger feed it the larger silversides.

cirri

03/01/2004, 12:16 PM

I too have had a lion for over 1 and 1/2 now in my F/O tanks.

It was hand picked at a lfs -best way IMO

It is with, mexican dragon eel, niger and undulated trig in a 72 gal bow front

Feed is live rosie once a week, about 8 of them,

Frozen silversides once a week - about 5 of them

Fresh Scallops once every other week about 3 of the smallest you can find.

It would never take to the brine (of course) or frozens at first. Had to do live solely. This obviously has changed.

Very passive non agressive tempermant, but I aint no little fish, and he like to eat those!!

M.Dandaneau

03/01/2004, 12:51 PM

Cirri, if this is a serious post you're about to lose yor lionfish of 1 1/2 years.............with a Niger, possibly, but with an Undulated trigger that lionfish is living on borrowed time, and IMO, so is everything else in the tank.

The Undulated trigger and the Clown tang are listed in every handbook I've ever read the two species most commonly encountered that will decimate a tank, yet people insist on packing them into a community set up.........in your case, I'm hoping that no-one ever told you what is in store for you in the future and trying to give you a tip in time for you to prevent it.

Mike

cirri

03/01/2004, 01:01 PM

Appreciate the reply, and yes it is serious.

Every thing was put in the tank at the same time. The undulated is growing at a very slow rate, and I got him when he was extremely small.

SO, I need to try and get him out is your suggestion? I have heard a few time recently the fears of undulated trigger, but this guy is so small. I guess I just figured he was used to all the other fish that were with him since a wee little lad.

Thanks again!

M.Dandaneau

03/01/2004, 01:12 PM

Thanks for the reply........unfortunately, the Undulateds ALWAYS eventually show their true nature as they grow, going from pleasent looking litle fish to a veritable Jack the Ripper as they add inches.
When little, their boldness endears them to many as they "nibble" at your fingers and show no fear, but as they grow those "nibbles" begin to hurt and soon pieces will begin to disappear from the other fish....that's just before the other fish begin to get massacred.
Honestly, I'd seriously consider trading it in or getting it its own tank.

Mike

cirri

03/01/2004, 01:20 PM

I definately will have to do something! I care to much about all my creatures I keep. I guess, I was just hopeful he would be used to his other inhabitants. My does not have any "boldness" though he hides all the time just about. Will prolly have to trade it out, no more room for tanks.

Thanks again, and back on topic......if you get a lion don't put an undulated in there!!!

M.Dandaneau

03/01/2004, 04:45 PM

Actually, cirri, lions aren't good tankmates for any of the triggers, although some of the more peaceful pelagic species may leave them alone in a large tank.
As a rule, triggers are too tough, fast and agile for a lion and simply bite off the fins, musch as they would the spines of an urchin.......any lionfish that wins a battle with a triggerfish was large enough to eat it in one bite! While the lions have large mouths, they are surprisingly peaceful fish with anything too large to eat.

Mike

cirri

03/01/2004, 07:43 PM

Not looking for a fish fight in my tank!! I do believe the niger should be fine! And I definately agree it has been the most peaceful/graceful fish I have kept! (and I want to keep it that way) Thanks for your advice!!!

M.Dandaneau

03/01/2004, 08:30 PM

You're welcome.......one more little thing......is the F/O tank the 72 gal. that you have listed?

If so, keep in mind that they can reach about 18", so I wouldn't add too much more, even though it looks a little empty now.

Mike

cirri

03/01/2004, 08:53 PM

It is the 72, nothing else has been added since the original stock, but thanks!

My octo tank is the one that looks empty because I can have hardly anything else in there!

Good question back on this thread.... Do you happen to know the average life expectancy (in captivity) of Volitans?

M.Dandaneau

03/02/2004, 12:47 AM

Actually, that's what started this whole survey and thread as we suspect they are long-lived, but most people seem to manage to keep them alive a year or so before losing them to disease, illness or triggerfish **grin**.

As more of us are becoming aware of just how peaceful they really are, already a difference seems to be evidencing itself.

We currently have a spawning pairy of dwarf fuzzy lions (32 spawnings to date, but no luck rearing fry so far...hopefully spring and an abundance in live wild plankton may change this), and a pair of P. russellii that are in spawning condition and are courting, but no eggs yet...soon they'll be moved to the deeper 300 gal. tank and, again, hopefully the deeper tank will produce another spawning pair.

We also just added a brilliant red male P. volitans to the growing tank, and as soon as it's large enough to keep with our stonefish, we're hoping it will spawn with our really dark large black female (about 14")

Mike

cirri

03/02/2004, 08:41 AM

GL with the breeding!!! Has anyone successfully captive bred lions?

Thanks again for your help, pic of Foo attached!!!!

M.Dandaneau

03/02/2004, 11:18 AM

Thanks, cirri....actually, you're asking the wrong person.....Frank Marini, one of the moderators for this forum, has written one of the best lionfish and scorpionfish articles to date (listed as Nov. Reefkeeping Scorpionfish, I believe) that's a MUST READ, in my opinion, located at the top of this forum.
Additionally, he moderates a forum specifically on the breeding and rearing of marine fish elsewhere in this site and is one of the most knowledgable people I've ever had the pleasure of almost meeting! **grin**

As far as I know, the dwarf fuzzies have been bred with some regularity, but I've only seen mention of the larger species breeding in the wild and in large public aquariums, where the event was just an act of nature that was totally by accident......then again, advances in this hobby happen so fast that it's difficult to keep up with.

To the best of my knowledge, no-one has so far been able to rear lionfish or scorpionfish in captivity (and after 32 spawns, it's easy to see why! **grin**) but spring is here again and we're hoping that the availability of live, wild plankton will be the deciding factor that allows us to at least raise a couple this year.
Or next year
Or the year after.....:D

Mike

cwschoon

03/02/2004, 11:47 AM

Bought a healthy looking small to med blk volitan last week, took it home, fed it some ghost shrimp, which it took right away. It hid, never came out and was dead last Friday. Tank perimiters are great and the other few fish in the tank are fine. Any ideas? Cyanide perhaps? I am no amature and am at a loss as to why this fish died. This tank has been set up since September with good water movement, lots of live rock, etc.

dhoch

04/13/2004, 02:03 PM

SELECTION
Did you mail order this fish and would you recommend mail order this fish?
No

Any tips on how you picked a healthy specimen of this species from LFS?
Eating and swiming and active at the store.

COMPATIBILITY
What tankmates do you have with this fish?
I have a blind picasso tringer, White Cheek Tang, Snowflake Eel, Salon's Fairy Wrasse, Blue Damsel, Flame Angel, Cleaner Shrimp, Red Banded Shrimp, Snails and Hermits

Is it a reef or FO tank?
FOWLR

Did this fish hurt/eat any of other fish (or vice versa)?
Someone in the tank ate a blennie. It was either the Lion (most likely) or the Eel.

Did this fish hurt/eat ornamental crustaceans (shrimps, hermits, crabs)?
Not yet

FEEDING
How did you get this fish to eat at first?
I started out on guppies...(about 1 or 2 days) but he was hungry enough that at feeding time he came to the top and I just droped in frozen food (thawed) and he would wolf it down.

WhatÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s the diet?
He eats a variety of frozen foods

How much and how often do you feed?
once a day. About 1 frozen cube.

GROWTH RATE AND LIFE SPAN
What is the initial size of your fish and maximum size it reached?
Started out at about 2-2.5" and is now 5-6" (over a 2 year period)

What size tank did this fish live in? (or how soon did this fish outgrow what size tank)?
He is in a 125 gal.

What do you think is the minimum tank size required for an adult specimen of this fish?
I wouldn't go smaller than 110

How long have you kept this fish?
2 years

BEHAVIOR
Does this fish change body color under any circumstances?
Yes... he ocassionally "sulks" changes body color to a deeper red and won't move much.

How active is this fish?
Very for a Lion. He swims a fair amount lazily around the tank.

Is this fish shy?
Nope

How territorial or aggressive is this fish? How does this fish interact with tankmates?
He's a little bit territorial. He has on ocassion gotten close to other fish and I've noticed his bottom fins twitching (he did this when the eel was first placed in the tank). I think it was his way of setting pecking order. Other than that he really just trys to avoid the other fish.

Did this fish ever jump out of the tank?
Nope.

How does this fish sleep?
He hangs on rocks usually pointing straight down.

Does this fish allow cleaners to clean? If so which cleaner and how often?
Nope

How does this fish interact with human?
He is very dog like when it comes to food and feeding time. He will rise to the top of the tank and wait for me to drop food in.

Dave

L98-Z

07/25/2004, 07:03 PM

Sorry if off topic, I just checked out Seafans website, job well done. If you get the chance, try doing the same with a Zebra moray. I always hear how friendly they are, but no one ever mentions having one or knowing much about them.

35gallonhex

09/19/2004, 03:52 PM

do one for puffers

ACIDRAIN

09/28/2004, 01:18 PM

I have kept Fu-Manchu, Antenia, Fuzzy Dwarfs, Zebra, Radiata, and Volitans both red and black, over the last 25 years. I have even caught my own scorpion fish and kept them as well. Currently I have only two lions, Leo and another not named.

Some pics of Leo, he is almost 16 inches long, and is over 10 years old.

http://www.gcas.org/stl-web/bulletin/bb/album_pic.php?pic_id=21

You can see in this pic, his little friend haging out on the back of the tank. He to is a Volitan, but only about 6 inches long.
http://www.gcas.org/stl-web/bulletin/bb/album_pic.php?pic_id=22

Close up of his head
http://www.gcas.org/stl-web/bulletin/bb/album_pic.php?pic_id=23

Swimming around the tank.
http://www.gcas.org/stl-web/bulletin/bb/album_pic.php?pic_id=20

Here you can see him and get an idea of his size. He lives in a 300 gal tank, 7 feet long. You can also see in the bottom left corner, his tankmate, a 32 inch male Califonia Horn Shark.
http://www.gcas.org/stl-web/bulletin/bb/album_pic.php?pic_id=19

ACIDRAIN

09/28/2004, 01:29 PM

OK, for some reason the pics loaded as links and not pics, and they only work if you cut and past. So, I will try this again linked to another site that has worked in the past, just pics not as good quality.

This is the only pic I have on both sites at this time. For the other pics, please copy and paste to your brouser.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4db11b3127ccebf04e211e1410000001610

Here is a pic of Leo's tank mate, the California Horn Shark

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4db11b3127ccebf04efd0202e0000001610

A few pics of one of my favorite lions that I lost a couple of years back. I had him for about 6-7 years;
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4db11b3127ccebf04a2c7e1b70000001610
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4db11b3127ccebf04a394204c0000001610
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4db11b3127ccebf04a87f603a0000001610

Paladin

09/28/2004, 01:33 PM

ACIDRAIN,
I was just wondering why some of your volitans lions passed away while others continue to live. I had a volitans that I kept for around 4 years but past away earlier this year.

ACIDRAIN

09/28/2004, 02:06 PM

Well, some died many years ago, before they discovered gold fish were no good for them, and actually were what was killing them. But since then, they have died what I suspect as natural deaths. They mostly all ate up till they died. I did lose a couple to long power outages where I used to live. The one in the pic however, died of a dislocated upper jaw. They all get tiger shrimp for food. His last time he dislocated his upper jaw, and was never able to eat again. He tried for almost 5 weeks to eat, but he could not get anything in his mouth. I tried to re-set it (very dangerous, and painful), but as soon as he went to eat again, it would dislocated and he could not pick up the food.

chrislee

10/02/2004, 10:18 PM

Do lions eat cleaner wrass?

ACIDRAIN

10/03/2004, 01:36 AM

Lions will eat anything they can catch in their mouths. They will usually leave other live fish alone, as long as you keep them fed well. IMO the best tank mates for lions, are those they cannot fit into their mouths. So, IMO to answer your question, yes they will eat cleaner wrasses.

febeast

10/23/2004, 05:00 PM

Here is a picture of my Lion that I have had for about 8 months. Eats darn near anything i.e. home made stuff, krill, sand eels, silver sides, etc.. Doesn't have a care in the world and is a great fish.http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/532/6667300180021.jpg

the real fishman

11/26/2004, 01:29 PM

hey guys, ive bin keeping all sorts of lionfish for a long time, i cant be bothered to write all the aswers but if u got any questions about this lionfish or any please ask, ill be glad to help

the real fishman

11/26/2004, 01:35 PM

thats a very nice fish uv got febeast, i have 3 lionfish at the moment, one in the 30gallon tank thats a zebra lion and is the newest, about 3" long i got it 3 days ago, anothe in the 100gallon tank and thats a volitan and its about6" long i got it a year1/2 ago. and the third is a antennata lion and it about 4" long in my 120gallon tank i got dat a year1/2 ago as well>

godwin

12/25/2004, 09:11 PM

SELECTION
Any tips on how you picked a healthy specimen of this species from LFS? What do you think is the ideal size to get?

Bought mine at the LFS, the obvious tip would be is, if he looks healthy he probably is, the ideal size I think is when they are small

Are there any noticeable differences in body shape, pattern or color among the same species or between juvenile and adult of this species?

Dont know yet
Is there a way to tell the sex of this fish?

nope
ACCLIMATION AND INTRODUCTION
Any special tips about the acclimation and introduction of this fish?

keep them away from inverts and crustacians and try to keep tankmates that are bigger than its mouth

Any special needs for this fish or special considerations for young specimen?

none

Should this fish be the first or the last to introduce to a tank?
doesnt matter

COMPATIBILITY
What tankmates do you have with this fish?Is it a reef or FO tank?

a diamond back goby and a square anthiast

Have you had more than one of this species in the same tank? If so, is there a certain male/female ratio or group number worked for you (to have a harem or pecking order)? Do they school?
Have you had other species of the same genus/family in the same tank?

N/A
WhatÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s the stocking order (considering the above factors) that worked for you?
Did this fish hurt/eat any of other fish (or vice versa)?
not yet

Did this fish hurt/eat Cnidaria (corals, mushrooms or anemones)?

not yet
Did this fish hurt/eat ornamental crustaceans (shrimps, hermits, crabs)?

I dont have any yet

FEEDING
How did you get this fish to eat at first?
gave him live guppies for the first day then decided not to afterwords after I heard they are harmfull to the fish so I gave him live ghost shrimp instead

If this fish only accepted live food, how did you wean it over to prepared food?

I slowly introduced brine shrimp
WhatÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s the diet?

brine shrimp and live ghost shrimp

How much and how often do you feed?

a cube of brine shrimp and maybe one or two ghost shrimp as a treat

How does this fish eat?(grazers, active or sedentary predators, sand sifters, etc)

stalker

GROWTH RATE AND LIFE SPAN
What is the initial size of your fish and maximum size it reached? How fast did it grow (how much growth over a given period of time)?

mine is only 2-3' currently
What size tank did this fish live in? (or how soon did this fish outgrow what size tank)?

currently housed in a 36 gallon bow tank

What do you think is the minimum tank size required for an adult specimen of this fish?

at least 29 gallons for a full grown adult

If this fish went through body pattern change from juvenile to adult, was the change complete? How long did it take?

dont know yet

How long have you kept this fish? If you no longer have this fish, what was the cause?

2 weeks

What is the longest lifespan and the maximum size of this fish in home aquarium and/or in the wild reported?

n/a

DISEASE AND TREATMENT
What disease has this fish had? How did you treat it, for how long? What's the effect of the treatment?

n/a
BEHAVIOR

Does this fish change body color under any circumstances?
n/a

How active is this fish? Is this fish shy?
pretty active and the fish is not shy

How territorial or aggressive is this fish? How does this fish interact with tankmates?

he's fairly comfortable with his current tankmates

Did this fish ever jump out of the tank?

nope

How does this fish sleep?

vertically or upside down

Does this fish allow cleaners to clean? If so which cleaner and how often?

n/a

How does this fish interact with human?

he swims up the tank if he's hungry if not he will just ignore me

Any other interesting observation of this fish?

he seems to like the diamond back goby more than the square anthiast

REPRODUCTION
If you have a mated pair, how did you get them to pair up?
Any information of spawning in captivity?

n/a

SUMMARY
Your overall assessment of this species -
How sensitive is this fish to poor water quality on a scale of 1-5?
1 - very tolerant, may survive a cycle in a new tank
2 - quite tolerant, may survive accidental ammonia or nitrite spike
3 - not terribly sensitive to reasonable pH, salinity or temperature changes
4 - sensitive to any significant water chemistry changes, and may show stress during such changes
5 - very sensitive to water quality, may easily get stressed and get sick with any change in water chemistry

2

Would you recommend this fish to beginners?
I am a beginner myself and find this fish easier to work with then any other marine fish I had, so I would definately recommend it to beginners. (I had 3 clowns die on me for no apparent reason)

Any other recommendations/comments?

Chandler044

12/26/2004, 11:53 PM

Ive had mine for about 8 months, he has grown quite well although stopped growing as much lately. There are some pcis of him him in my photo gallery, i dunno how to upload the pics yet.

moggyhill

02/14/2005, 05:31 PM

I'd love to respond but my eel ate my lionfish:lol:

anothermineral

07/02/2005, 10:31 AM

Folks,

I think my lion has gone blind.

I've had him for ~1 year in a tank all his own. He has been a voracious eater. I've been feeding him krill, clams, and the occasional live feeder fish. H20 parameters are perfect. He shows no signs of physical stress and is one of the best specimens I've ever seen.

On Father's day, he decided to go on a hunger strike. I originally thought he might have lockjaw, as I didn't notice him yawn for several days, however, this was not the case.

Then I realized the following:
The tank is located at the end of a hallway. Any time anyone entered the hallway, the fish would immediately get excited thinking is was going to be fed, and rise to the top of the tank. It always amazed me that he/she could see motion ~15 feet away. This has stopped completely.

The reason I think the fish has gone blind is I've been able to get him to feed, but it is a tiresome job to do it. It involves placing a piece of krill on the end of a skewer and constantly presenting is in front of the fish until its fear level subsides and it decides to lunge forward and eat it. The fish rarely leaves the bottom of the tank and appears to be walking very tentatively with its front fins like we would do if locked in a room without any lights on, sort of feeling his way around the bottom.

The fish can still hear / smell; however it does not respond to any visual stimuli I present it with. The fish's eyes are clear. There doesn't appear to have been any trauma to the fish. As I said above, it's all by itself in the tank.

I've observed the fish at detail for several hours over the last week to try and formulate a different theory, however, it appears that he's blind as a bat. The only other change I've observed is the fish's coloration has deepened substantially, which I feel is due to stress.

Thought I'd share my observations with the group as an FYI and for any comments regarding my blind theory.

-Mineral

cwschoon

07/02/2005, 10:59 AM

I wish I could help...never come across that one before.

angelfishlover

07/08/2005, 02:25 AM

Heres a bad picture of simba.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y97/Pinktailtrigger/Agressive%20Tank/AquariumPicturesJune132005002.jpg

angelfishlover

07/14/2005, 11:29 AM

SELECTION
1.Did you mail order this fish and would you recommend mail order this fish? Are there captive-raised/bred specimen available and where?

I got mine at PETCO. As far as I know it's wild caught

Any tips on how you picked a healthy specimen of this species from LFS? What do you think is the ideal size to get?

I just picked one that was eating and free of any disese

Are there any noticeable differences in body shape, pattern or color among the same species or between juvenile and adult of this species?

The pectoral fins have a smaller ratio to body size as they age

Is there a way to tell the sex of this fish?

As far as I know there is no way to tel a male and female apart

ACCLIMATION AND INTRODUCTION
Any special tips about the acclimation and introduction of this fish?

Acclimate slowly. It can be sensitive to extreme changes in water chemistry

Any special needs for this fish or special considerations for young specimen?

Just make sure to have some live food ready cause they usually take some time to accept prepared food

Should this fish be the first or the last to introduce to a tank?

Doesen't really matter. Should be the smallest fish in the tank cause they eat smaller fish

COMPATIBILITY
What tankmates do you have with this fish?Is it a reef or FO tank?

FO tank. Mines with a california stingray and a snowflake eel

Have you had more than one of this species in the same tank? If so, is there a certain male/female ratio or group number worked for you (to have a harem or pecking order)? Do they school?

I would keep one per tank unless you have a huge tank in the 400-500 gallon range cause they get kinda big

Have you had other species of the same genus/family in the same tank?

Never tried it

WhatÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s the stocking order (considering the above factors) that worked for you?

I would add this fish to a mature tank cause they put on a high bio-load

Did this fish hurt/eat any of other fish (or vice versa)?

It's killed a pinktail trigger that once bumped into it. It almost killed a picasso trigger.

Did this fish hurt/eat Cnidaria (corals, mushrooms or anemones)?

Never tried it but I would only try if you have a very effecient skimmer like an Aqua C or a Euro-Reef

Did this fish hurt/eat ornamental crustaceans (shrimps, hermits, crabs)?

Never tried but I wouldn't cause they are very effecient predators

FEEDING
How did you get this fish to eat at first?

Feed live food for one day then starved it for a week then tried prepared foods

If this fish only accepted live food, how did you wean it over to prepared food?

It only took live food at first. Then I starved it for a week and it took silversides and krill then.

WhatÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s the diet?

Silversides and krill

How much and how often do you feed?

I feed 4 pieces of krill daily and a couple silversides every other day.

How does this fish eat?(grazers, active or sedentary predators, sand sifters, etc)

Ambush predators. They eat what will fit in there mouths.

GROWTH RATE AND LIFE SPAN
What is the initial size of your fish and maximum size it reached?

It's about 7" at the moment

How fast did it grow (how much growth over a given period of time)?

It grows kinda slow. Its only grew about 1/2 an inch in 5 months.

What size tank did this fish live in? (or how soon did this fish outgrow what size tank)?

55 at the moment. 180 in a few months.

What do you think is the minimum tank size required for an adult specimen of this fish?

I would say 75 on its own but 125 or bigger with other fish

If this fish went through body pattern change from juvenile to adult, was the change complete? How long did it take?

I got this fish at about 6 1/2" so I dont really know

How long have you kept this fish? If you no longer have this fish, what was the cause?

I've had my lion for about 5 months so I don't really know.

What is the longest lifespan and the maximum size of this fish in home aquarium and/or in the wild reported?

I've heard of them living about 12 years. The biggest I've heard of them getting is about 15"

DISEASE AND TREATMENT
What disease has this fish had? How did you treat it, for how long? What's the effect of the treatment?

Never got sick. This species is very sensitive to copper though.

BEHAVIOR
Does this fish change body color under any circumstances?

It lightens in color if water quality gets bad

How active is this fish? Is this fish shy?

Swims but very slowly. This fish is not shy at all and is always out.

How territorial or aggressive is this fish?

Very peaceful fish but will eat tankmates if there small enough

How does this fish interact with tankmates?

Prett mutch diesent care. I havd a brave picasso trigger that loved to swim through its fins

Did this fish ever jump out of the tank?

No. Probably not active enough

How does this fish sleep?

Turns dark and stays sideways or up-side-down

Does this fish allow cleaners to clean?

Tried a cleaner wrasse and it ended up as lunch.

If so which cleaner and how often?

Never accepts any cleaners. Just eats them

How does this fish interact with human?

Lots of personality. Will come to the front and follow me if he's hungry

Any other interesting observation of this fish?

Very beutiful fish and wonderful to keep. They are true pets

REPRODUCTION
If you have a mated pair, how did you get them to pair up?

Just one in my tank. Like I stated above one per tank unless in the 400-500 range or bigger

Any information of spawning in captivity?

Never heard of spawnings in captivity

SUMMARY
Your overall assessment of this species -
How sensitive is this fish to poor water quality on a scale of 1-5?
1 - very tolerant, may survive a cycle in a new tank
2 - quite tolerant, may survive accidental ammonia or nitrite spike
3 - not terribly sensitive to reasonable pH, salinity or temperature changes
4 - sensitive to any significant water chemistry changes, and may show stress during such changes
5 - very sensitive to water quality, may easily get stressed and get sick with any change in water chemistry

3-Will refuse to eat if there are terribly high nitrates.

Would you recommend this fish to beginners?

Prabably. You just need to have some live foods on hand.

Any other recommendations/comments?

Be careful of its venomous spines while doing maintnence. If you get stung soak the effected area in water as hot as you can stand for about 20-30 minutes.

Chandler044

07/14/2005, 02:13 PM

I've had mine for one and a half years. He is quite large, and very personable. Good appetite and disposition, lions are very good fish to have if you want a showpiece for your tank, and dont mind not having the ability of having small fishes.http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/79326The_Dark_Side.jpg

camaro03

07/26/2005, 12:07 PM

I would only reccomend them for a peaceful community tank with large fish as they are not aggressive fish and can easily be harrased. Feed live then wean to frozen they do not like much current as they are lazy and like little resitance when swimming

pmemo

08/29/2005, 10:04 AM

I fed frozen shrimps.

CrazyLionfish

10/03/2005, 06:15 PM

ELECTION
Did you mail order this fish and would you recommend mail order this fish? Are there captive-raised/bred specimen available and where? No/No
Any tips on how you picked a healthy specimen of this species from LFS? What do you think is the ideal size to get? I chose a medium sized one - about 3 inches - and one that was eating well.
Are there any noticeable differences in body shape, pattern or color among the same species or between juvenile and adult of this species? I think they all differ in color and the intensity of the color
Is there a way to tell the sex of this fish? I think the males have horns and teh females don't, making mine a female

ACCLIMATION AND INTRODUCTION
Any special tips about the acclimation and introduction of this fish? I acclimated it him teh newb way, adding some water from teh tank into the bag every 10 min for 1.5 hours
Any special needs for this fish or special considerations for young specimen? No
Should this fish be the first or the last to introduce to a tank? Depends on other inhabitants

COMPATIBILITY
What tankmates do you have with this fish?Is it a reef or FO tank? Queen Angel, Maroon Clown, Undulated Trigger, Picasso Trigger, Yellow Tang. FO Tank
Have you had more than one of this species in the same tank? If so, is there a certain male/female ratio or group number worked for you (to have a harem or pecking order)? Do they school? No
Have you had other species of the same genus/family in the same tank? no
WhatÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s the stocking order (considering the above factors) that worked for you? Maroon Clown, Yellow Tang, Picasso Trigger, Lionfish, Undulated, Queen
Did this fish hurt/eat any of other fish (or vice versa)? no
Did this fish hurt/eat Cnidaria (corals, mushrooms or anemones)? no
Did this fish hurt/eat ornamental crustaceans (shrimps, hermits, crabs)? don't think so, think it was mostly the triggers

FEEDING
How did you get this fish to eat at first? took freeze dried krill the first day
If this fish only accepted live food, how did you wean it over to prepared food? --
WhatÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s the diet? mysis shrimp, freeze dried krill, frozen krill, frozen squid
How much and how often do you feed? once a day
How does this fish eat?(grazers, active or sedentary predators, sand sifters, etc) - lunges at it and inhales it

GROWTH RATE AND LIFE SPAN
What is the initial size of your fish and maximum size it reached? How fast did it grow (how much growth over a given period of time)? 3 inches to begin. Almost 13 inches now. About 1.5 years
What size tank did this fish live in? (or how soon did this fish outgrow what size tank)? What do you think is the minimum tank size required for an adult specimen of this fish? 75 gallons, but mine is too big for it now, either getting a larger tank, or giving him to someone responsable nearby
If this fish went through body pattern change from juvenile to adult, was the change complete? How long did it take? Colors have varied from dark red to light red
How long have you kept this fish? If you no longer have this fish, what was the cause? 1.5 years - still have her
What is the longest lifespan and the maximum size of this fish in home aquarium and/or in the wild reported? not sure

DISEASE AND TREATMENT
What disease has this fish had? How did you treat it, for how long? What's the effect of the treatment? Ick - UV steralizer - worked well

BEHAVIOR
Does this fish change body color under any circumstances? not really
How active is this fish? Is this fish shy? mostly just hovers, not shy
How territorial or aggressive is this fish? How does this fish interact with tankmates? only aggresive when the trigger trys to steal his krill
Did this fish ever jump out of the tank? no
How does this fish sleep? with his head down, used to sleep vertically, but now hes too big
Does this fish allow cleaners to clean? If so which cleaner and how often? --
How does this fish interact with human? always watching me,
Any other interesting observation of this fish? her eyes always follow me

REPRODUCTION
If you have a mated pair, how did you get them to pair up? no
Any information of spawning in captivity? no

SUMMARY
Your overall assessment of this species - Love this fish, one of my favorite, always get great reactions over her.
How sensitive is this fish to poor water quality on a scale of 1-5? 2 or 3
1 - very tolerant, may survive a cycle in a new tank
2 - quite tolerant, may survive accidental ammonia or nitrite spike
3 - not terribly sensitive to reasonable pH, salinity or temperature changes
4 - sensitive to any significant water chemistry changes, and may show stress during such changes
5 - very sensitive to water quality, may easily get stressed and get sick with any change in water chemistry
Would you recommend this fish to beginners? depends on tank size and what they want to keep, but if they are prepared, yes
Any other recommendations/comments? not really

If you have any picture(s) of this fish you took, please post it here and share with us!

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a35/Frozilla33/DSC04317.jpg

onereefnotenuf

10/12/2005, 10:19 AM

i have had my voltans for over a year and the only thing that i have seen it eat was a bi color dottyback. it stalks the liverock looking for something. i think it eats shrimp or crabs out of the rock but it will not eat anything frozen or thawed that i try. i even tied silversides to fishing line and dangled them in front of its face and it still didn't eat. i knew that goldfish are bad for them but it was either live fish or a dead lion so i have started feeding guppys. i was told by my lfs that they have less fat and more protien than goldfish and the lionfish loves them. if there are any sources for live silversides i am sure they would work.
my fish is in a 125 reef with a kole tang, sailfin tang, flame angel and a flamehawkfish.

cwschoon

10/12/2005, 03:15 PM

get a small tank w. mollies, salt water and feed them good marine food. Not ideal but better than what you are doing now

reefboyjim

10/13/2005, 07:25 AM

I have a 8 inch long volitan lion fish that I have had for about a year and a half. fin span is about 8-9 inches across. i baught her at about 3 inches long. I feed her every other day 3 pieces of krill and once a month live feeder fish. She is kept in a 150 gallon tank with a 2 1/2 foost snowflake moray eel and an 8 inch burr puffer. She has the most beautiful coloration. She is like fire red with some orange white and a little tint of blue(I think it's from the light though) but any way she's gorgious. when I upload pics I'll post them.

cwschoon

10/13/2005, 10:21 AM

Hey onereefnotenuf...just noticed your address. I lived in Mississauga until sept. 2001. I was the CDN/NY Tetra rep for 4 yrs and before that, was w. a co. called Tropic Aquaria. I called on all the stores in Ontario and Western NY. Where do you shop?
Craig.

cwschoon

10/13/2005, 10:22 AM

Sorry...my brain read Hamilton, ONTARIO.

onereefnotenuf

10/13/2005, 03:39 PM

when i read your first post i was totally confused, i was trying to remember living someplace i have never been! i am the one thats braindead!

adamprice271

11/16/2005, 04:27 PM

Originally posted by Seafan
The following is is a list of questions/topics about this fish species. If you would like to include them in your reply, click on the last icon of this post (Reply with Quote), and remove the [ QUOTE ] [ B ] tag in the beginning and the at the end.

SELECTION
Did you mail order this fish and would you recommend mail order this fish? Are there captive-raised/bred specimen available and where?
I got mine from the LFS.

Any tips on how you picked a healthy specimen of this species from LFS? What do you think is the ideal size to get?
I work there and had him eating withing 2 days of getting him in at the shop. Very healthy, so I took him home.
Are there any noticeable differences in body shape, pattern or color among the same species or between juvenile and adult of this species?
I don't think so.
Is there a way to tell the sex of this fish?

Not that I am aware of

ACCLIMATION AND INTRODUCTION
Any special tips about the acclimation and introduction of this fish?
No. Float for 15 mins, then add some tank water to the bag every 5 mins for 30 mins.
Any special needs for this fish or special considerations for young specimen?

Get him feeding asap.
Should this fish be the first or the last to introduce to a tank?

COMPATIBILITY
What tankmates do you have with this fish?Is it a reef or FO tank?
FOWLR...Yellow tang, bursa trigger, naso tang, coral beauty, keyhole angel.
Have you had more than one of this species in the same tank? If so, is there a certain male/female ratio or group number worked for you (to have a harem or pecking order)? Do they school?
No
Have you had other species of the same genus/family in the same tank?
No
What’s the stocking order (considering the above factors) that worked for you?
Add the lion at any time, just don't have anything smaller than him or it will be food.
Did this fish hurt/eat any of other fish (or vice versa)?
Yes, my volitan ate a maroon clownfish that was barely smaller than his head.
Did this fish hurt/eat Cnidaria (corals, mushrooms or anemones)?
NA
Did this fish hurt/eat ornamental crustaceans (shrimps, hermits, crabs)?
No...the trigger ate the hermits.

FEEDING
How did you get this fish to eat at first?
Live ghost shrimp that were kept in a seperate tank gutloaded with marine pellets and shrimp pellets.
If this fish only accepted live food, how did you wean it over to prepared food?
I didn't feed him for 2 days and I would drop freeze dried krill in. when my trigger went for it, the lion ate it and has loved it ever since. He also eats large peices of formula 1 flake.
What’s the diet?
Ghost shrimp(gutloaded), freeze dried krill, and flake food.
How much and how often do you feed?
2 freeze dried krill a day. 8-10 ghost shrimp every 4 days (trigger eats em too.)
How does this fish eat?(grazers, active or sedentary predators, sand sifters, etc)
Ambush predator. anytime I put something in there for him(fits inhis mouth) he eats it.

GROWTH RATE AND LIFE SPAN
What is the initial size of your fish and maximum size it reached? How fast did it grow (how much growth over a given period of time)?
I got him when he was 2" body leangth 2.5 months ago and he is now 4-5" body leangth.
What size tank did this fish live in? (or how soon did this fish outgrow what size tank)? What do you think is the minimum tank size required for an adult specimen of this fish?
75 gal. he is being moved to the 135 when he grows a bit more. Minimum size tank I'd say is 55 min. and 100 when full grown.
If this fish went through body pattern change from juvenile to adult, was the change complete? How long did it take?
How long have you kept this fish? If you no longer have this fish, what was the cause?
I have had mine for about 2.5 months and love him.
What is the longest lifespan and the maximum size of this fish in home aquarium and/or in the wild reported?

DISEASE AND TREATMENT
What disease has this fish had? How did you treat it, for how long? What's the effect of the treatment?
none...very hardy fish!

BEHAVIOR
Does this fish change body color under any circumstances?
npt that I have seen.
How active is this fish? Is this fish shy?
Not very active. He lays on the bottom, or against the side glass(vertical) untill I feed him or untill he goes for a new spot.
How territorial or aggressive is this fish? How does this fish interact with tankmates?
If other fishes are larger than he can eat, he is extremley passive with the other fish. If I do maintenance on the tank, he goes to one spot in the rocks and does not bother me at all.
Did this fish ever jump out of the tank?
no...thank god
How does this fish sleep?
lays around
Does this fish allow cleaners to clean? If so which cleaner and how often?
he lets me clean whenver I want (about once a week)
How does this fish interact with human?
When I come to the tank he comes out and up to the top. Never bothers me when maintenance is being done.
Any other interesting observation of this fish?
Just beautifil when they get some size on them.

REPRODUCTION
If you have a mated pair, how did you get them to pair up?
Any information of spawning in captivity?

SUMMARY
Your overall assessment of this species -
How sensitive is this fish to poor water quality on a scale of 1-5?
3
1 - very tolerant, may survive a cycle in a new tank
2 - quite tolerant, may survive accidental ammonia or nitrite spike
3 - not terribly sensitive to reasonable pH, salinity or temperature changes
4 - sensitive to any significant water chemistry changes, and may show stress during such changes
5 - very sensitive to water quality, may easily get stressed and get sick with any change in water chemistry
Would you recommend this fish to beginners?
not for someone with less than 1 yr of experience, or someone not willing to buy live foods(not feeders but shrimp) untill they get it eating frozen or freezedried.
Any other recommendations/comments?
great fish, nice personality, I get lots of compliments on him.

If you have any picture(s) of this fish you took, please post it here and share with us! [/B][/QUOTE]

thorsen

01/19/2006, 01:35 PM

What tankmates do you have with this fish?

I have had a lion fish for about one month now. I am new to the hobby and have already made my fair share of mistakes. I bought an encyclopedia set on reef fish, which said the lion fish is reef compatible but generally not added to a reef system because they eat desirable shrimp, although they leave other reef items alone. It also said they are tough fish and not generally susceptible to disease. I am in the process of converting my 120 gallon tank from a FO to a reef tank and decided I would rather have the lion fish than the shrimp. I already had one sea hare, two star fish, a lot of crabs and snails, and two damsels and three chromis. My lion fish eats like a glutton and eats almost anything I drop in the tank including algae pellets for the slug and crabs (?). The point of interest I have to contribute is how he has interacted with the assortment of smaller fish. The lion fish is capable of fitting surprisingly large fish in his mouth, but is rather slow. The chromis and damsels would all make good meals for him, but they simply stay out of his way. He has succeeded in catching one chromis and one damsel so far. I witnessed one of these episodes and it was in the early morning when the fish first came out of the rocks he would get them trapped in a corner and nap them. I am looking into adding a moon light lighting system to my tank and I think this might save the small fish. So in short one might be able to add all sorts of small fast bite size fish to a tank with a lion fish as long as there is good hiding places and the lighting is ok. I wouldn't risk real expensive fish right off though before experimenting with some damsels for a month or so.

lost1st manty:(

03/10/2006, 12:35 AM

devouring everyhting i put in their tank alls they want to do is eat and i have had to scale back getting to big too fast and too expensive i have a 150 gallon with 4 in panther grouper 3 in trigger (huma) porcupine puffer 3 in 4 in yellow tang 10 in moray snowflake hifin snapper green bird wrasse and a couple *** damsle i cant catch and neither can anyone else for that matter. by far the messiest eaters are puffer and trigger making huge messes needing vacuumed everytime they eat, thus i am introdcuing a spotted goatfish who is in quarantinenow but am worried that the malachite grren which contains formalin will be toxic for him whic i recently read and am not sure if this is true or if it is at what levels, or if it is all removed from skimmer and water changes, good luck :uzi: keep firing away with the thread and posts you will be fine

lost1st manty:(

03/10/2006, 01:03 AM

getting impaled by one and injected with venom, ive heard of them actually eating until there stomachs exploded so be careful, :eek2: sorry i am only 6 month in hobby my young son got to the computer and clicked 20years thoguht it was a game :eek1:

Shoestring Reefer

03/11/2006, 06:20 AM

thorsen-do you see any true "schooling" of the chromis in a tank with lionfish?

DrBDC

04/14/2006, 08:40 AM

Thought I'd throw my lion pic on the thread. This guy is like a puppy dog you can't pet.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/66527000_0138small.jpg[/url]

rstruhs

04/24/2006, 04:05 PM

The following is is a list of questions/topics about this fish species. If you would like to include them in your reply, click on the last icon of this post (Reply with Quote), and remove the [ QUOTE ] [ B ] tag in the beginning and the [/QUOTE][/B] at the end.

SELECTION
Did you mail order this fish and would you recommend mail order this fish? Are there captive-raised/bred specimen available and where?
I bought mine from a LFS
Any tips on how you picked a healthy specimen of this species from LFS? What do you think is the ideal size to get?
Pick one that is not in the defensive position at the store and is eating something! Also, look for any body leisions and/or fin problems. I would say the ideal size depends on its tankmates. I like to pick a new fish that is still a juvy (Sp?), but not older than an early teen.
Are there any noticeable differences in body shape, pattern or color among the same species or between juvenile and adult of this species?
Not that I can tell.
Is there a way to tell the sex of this fish?
Not without doing irreparable damage (Surgery)

ACCLIMATION AND INTRODUCTION
Any special tips about the acclimation and introduction of this fish?
Spend about 45 mins acclimating, no more! Put fish in final tank with tankmates after lights out or turn them out for the day. They like to hide until the initial stress of moving them is over.
Any special needs for this fish or special considerations for young specimen?
Lots and lots of free swimming space! Although they tend to stay in one spot, they will move at night. More space means they can navigate without bumping into rocks and the glass.
Should this fish be the first or the last to introduce to a tank?
Does not matter, they adapt extremely well.

COMPATIBILITY
What tankmates do you have with this fish?Is it a reef or FO tank?
I kept mine with a lunar wrasse (About 8" long) and a HumaHuma trigger (About 4" long), my lion got to about 10".
Have you had more than one of this species in the same tank? If so, is there a certain male/female ratio or group number worked for you (to have a harem or pecking order)? Do they school?
I would love to have at least four lions in a tank, however, my tanks are too small. I would not put two in a tank smaller than 75 gallons.
Have you had other species of the same genus/family in the same tank?
Not at the same time.
What’s the stocking order (considering the above factors) that worked for you?
Trigger, wrasse, lion, eel.
Did this fish hurt/eat any of other fish (or vice versa)?
No problems whatsoever!
Did this fish hurt/eat Cnidaria (corals, mushrooms or anemones)?
None were in the tank with it.
Did this fish hurt/eat ornamental crustaceans (shrimps, hermits, crabs)?
None were in the tank with it.

FEEDING
How did you get this fish to eat at first?
It was eating live guppies, I used an eel feeder (Only the tube part) for about a week, then switched to putting a guppy in a net for about a week with thawed krill in the net also, then switched to ghost shrimp and krill, then to krill only in the net. From that point I went to dropping the krill in the tank near the lion. I fed every other day for this whole process.
If this fish only accepted live food, how did you wean it over to prepared food?
See above question.
What’s the diet? Krill and raw sea food from the grocery store.
How much and how often do you feed? About 2 guppys, five krill and a sugar cube size of crab or shrimp or oyster.
How does this fish eat?(grazers, active or sedentary predators, sand sifters, etc)
Heartily, however, it is a lazy predator and will pass on food that is more than one body length away from the lion.

GROWTH RATE AND LIFE SPAN
What is the initial size of your fish and maximum size it reached? How fast did it grow (how much growth over a given period of time)?
Initial size was about 2", he grew to about 6" within 6 mos., then to 10" the next 6 mos.
What size tank did this fish live in? (or how soon did this fish outgrow what size tank)? What do you think is the minimum tank size required for an adult specimen of this fish?
I had him in a 55 gallon tank. I think as long as they are under 12" the standard 55 gallon tank is ok. A 75 would be better.
If this fish went through body pattern change from juvenile to adult, was the change complete? How long did it take?
I did not notice any pattern or color changes due to age.
How long have you kept this fish? If you no longer have this fish, what was the cause?
I kept him for a little over 2 yrs. He died because he went blind. I really need to find out what supplements he needed.
What is the longest lifespan and the maximum size of this fish in home aquarium and/or in the wild reported?
I do not know.

DISEASE AND TREATMENT
What disease has this fish had? How did you treat it, for how long? What's the effect of the treatment?
He got popeye once, I treated it with Melafix as directed.

BEHAVIOR
Does this fish change body color under any circumstances?
Yes, as his health declined, his colors faded.
How active is this fish? Is this fish shy?
Sedentary fish that is not shy.
How territorial or aggressive is this fish? How does this fish interact with tankmates?
Not territorial or aggressive with tankmates. Pretty much ignores tankmates.
Did this fish ever jump out of the tank?
No
How does this fish sleep?
In the defensive position, (head down)
Does this fish allow cleaners to clean? If so which cleaner and how often?
Do not know.
How does this fish interact with human?
He knows and recognizes the feeder and will come to a "feeding station" at any time.
Any other interesting observation of this fish?
Once they have died, you will find you miss them a lot.

REPRODUCTION
If you have a mated pair, how did you get them to pair up?
Did not have a mated pair.
Any information of spawning in captivity?
Only what is available on the net.

SUMMARY
Your overall assessment of this species -
How sensitive is this fish to poor water quality on a scale of 1-5?
I believe they can tolerate fairly poor water quality.
1 - very tolerant, may survive a cycle in a new tank
True.
2 - quite tolerant, may survive accidental ammonia or nitrite spike
Definitely
3 - not terribly sensitive to reasonable pH, salinity or temperature changes
True
4 - sensitive to any significant water chemistry changes, and may show stress during such changes
Not true
5 - very sensitive to water quality, may easily get stressed and get sick with any change in water chemistry
Not true.
Would you recommend this fish to beginners?
No, feeding and care needed to not get invenomated is important. Venomous fish should not be kept by children or careless adults.
Any other recommendations/comments?
Since they are a predator, they are more intelligent than most other fish. Treat them accordingly. They will try to avoid hurting you if you treat them with respect.

If you have any picture(s) of this fish you took, please post it here and share with us!

Spidross

05/03/2006, 10:43 AM

SELECTION
Did you mail order this fish and would you recommend mail order this fish? Are there captive-raised/bred specimen available and where? No bought him from my LFS
Any tips on how you picked a healthy specimen of this species from LFS? What do you think is the ideal size to get? Just watched him in his tank and checked he was feeding with the LFS
Are there any noticeable differences in body shape, pattern or color among the same species or between juvenile and adult of this species? Younger ones seem alot brighter and as they develop their colours seem to get deeper
Is there a way to tell the sex of this fish? Not sure

ACCLIMATION AND INTRODUCTION
Any special tips about the acclimation and introduction of this fish? Did normal, fish in tank in its bag for 45 mins then added tanks water at about 10min intervals before releasing him about 40 mins after that with lights off
Any special needs for this fish or special considerations for young specimen? Not that i noticed just the size of their food
Should this fish be the first or the last to introduce to a tank? One of the first in my tank and going strong, not intereted in the others at all

COMPATIBILITY
What tankmates do you have with this fish?Is it a reef or FO tank? FO tank, got dog face puffer, cleaner wrasse (he totally ignores him and always has and his food is the same size), rock beauty, regal tang, snowflake moray eel, picasso trigger, niger trigger, fingerprint toby, emperor angel, maroon clown and a sailfin tang
Have you had more than one of this species in the same tank? If so, is there a certain male/female ratio or group number worked for you (to have a harem or pecking order)? Do they school? No but in LFS they have 2 Large Volitans together no problems
Have you had other species of the same genus/family in the same tank? No
What’s the stocking order (considering the above factors) that worked for you? Not a poroblem with others not interested
Did this fish hurt/eat any of other fish (or vice versa)? NoDid this fish hurt/eat Cnidaria (corals, mushrooms or anemones)? Not Applicable
Did this fish hurt/eat ornamental crustaceans (shrimps, hermits, crabs)? Yes Cleaner Shrimp

FEEDING
How did you get this fish to eat at first? Straight on Frozen Dillie Fish and Silverside No problem at all
If this fish only accepted live food, how did you wean it over to prepared food? No Need
What’s the diet? Silverside and river shrimp
How much and how often do you feed? Has 2-3 Silveside a day and live river shrimp once a week
How does this fish eat?(grazers, active or sedentary predators, sand sifters, etc)Predatory and active

GROWTH RATE AND LIFE SPAN
What is the initial size of your fish and maximum size it reached? How fast did it grow (how much growth over a given period of time)? Bought it about 1.5inch long now about 4 inches long (4 months)
What size tank did this fish live in? (or how soon did this fish outgrow what size tank)? What do you think is the minimum tank size required for an adult specimen of this fish? Will outgrow soon in a 50 Gal tank at mo is very happy but soon more room will be needed
If this fish went through body pattern change from juvenile to adult, was the change complete? How long did it take? Colour has got darker/richer
How long have you kept this fish? If you no longer have this fish, what was the cause? 4 months so far
What is the longest lifespan and the maximum size of this fish in home aquarium and/or in the wild reported? No Idea

DISEASE AND TREATMENT
What disease has this fish had? How did you treat it, for how long? What's the effect of the treatment? Ich and i treated with cupramine absolutely fineno problems at all

BEHAVIOR
Does this fish change body color under any circumstances? Night time he goes a deeper reddish colour
How active is this fish? Is this fish shy? Watches TV I swear! Very active at feeding time and always waits his turn for the food
How territorial or aggressive is this fish? How does this fish interact with tankmates? Reacts well with them unless they nip his tail for any reason then he gives chase but never has hurt any of them (The wrasse is the same size as the silverside i feed him and not bothered about him)
Did this fish ever jump out of the tank? No
How does this fish sleep? On his side at the top near a powerhead or vertically pointing down by filter
Does this fish allow cleaners to clean? If so which cleaner and how often? No but i don't think i have seen him try
How does this fish interact with human?
Any other interesting observation of this fish? Very attentive at front of tank when people are in the room always at front

REPRODUCTION
If you have a mated pair, how did you get them to pair up? Not Applicable
Any information of spawning in captivity? No idea

SUMMARY
Your overall assessment of this species -
How sensitive is this fish to poor water quality on a scale of 1-5? 2
1 - very tolerant, may survive a cycle in a new tank
2 - quite tolerant, may survive accidental ammonia or nitrite spike
3 - not terribly sensitive to reasonable pH, salinity or temperature changes
4 - sensitive to any significant water chemistry changes, and may show stress during such changes
5 - very sensitive to water quality, may easily get stressed and get sick with any change in water chemistry
Would you recommend this fish to beginners? yes i had him as a beginner and gone through all the ups and downs a beginner faces
Any other recommendations/comments? Don't have him with shrimp, treat him to live food once in a while and don't worry if he lays still sometimes after a feed as they will eat themselves stupid if alllowed

Spidross

05/03/2006, 11:12 AM

Thought i'd post a couple here of him one at top of tank think's he is being fed!!

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j14/spidross/PICT0050.jpg

This one just chilling waiting for food, the TV isn't on so he can't watch it!!

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j14/spidross/PICT0056.jpg

Here is a short movie with him just before feeding time, you can see all his tank mates and see what he is like

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j14/spidross/th_PICT0001.jpg (http://s76.photobucket.com/albums/j14/spidross/?action=view&current=PICT0001.flv)

malkier22

05/03/2006, 05:32 PM

these lions are absolutely beautiful!

sierrarazz

05/18/2006, 07:20 PM

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-7/1040252/IYHDY-IMG_0025.JPG

here's my little lion buddy...:D

dendro982

05/22/2006, 02:18 AM

SELECTION
Did you mail order this fish and would you recommend mail order this fish? Are there captive-raised/bred specimen available and where?
Didn't; unknown.
Any tips on how you picked a healthy specimen of this species from LFS? What do you think is the ideal size to get?
Looked good; 3" or less.
Are there any noticeable differences in body shape, pattern or color among the same species or between juvenile and adult of this species? Yes, body shape: elongated, slender with thin fins for a young.
Is there a way to tell the sex of this fish? Don't know.

ACCLIMATION AND INTRODUCTION
Any special tips about the acclimation and introduction of this fish? No, usual fish acclimation and introduction.
Any special needs for this fish or special considerations for young specimen? No, but they are nervous, easily scared - no fast moves near it.
Should this fish be the first or the last to introduce to a tank? No, very easy-going fish.

COMPATIBILITY
What tankmates do you have with this fish?Is it a reef or FO tank? In order of arrival: cleaner wrasse (big mistake, most aggressive fish of the tank, pinching lion), percula clown, tasseled filefish (or fuzzy file). Tank was expected to be reef, but because of fish and mobile invertebrates that were using corals for own needs, now it's FOWLR.
Have you had more than one of this species in the same tank? If so, is there a certain male/female ratio or group number worked for you (to have a harem or pecking order)? Do they school? One lion only.
Have you had other species of the same genus/family in the same tank? No.
What’s the stocking order (considering the above factors) that worked for you?
Did this fish hurt/eat any of other fish (or vice versa)? Only feeders fish was eaten (lion is 5" now). When irritated by pinching cleaner wrasse of fuzzy file stealing HIS piece of food, fast faces them with fins extended - it's usually enough. Fuzzy (which is much bigger than lion) is totally terrorised by lion's appearance, but no lion's aggession was ever seen. Nasty wrasse is much faster and continues harassment.
Did this fish hurt/eat Cnidaria (corals, mushrooms or anemones)? No, but it irritated chili coral by using it as support for hanging.
Did this fish hurt/eat ornamental crustaceans (shrimps, hermits, crabs)? No. What is interesting: cleaner wrasse wasn't accepted as cleaner, but blood shrimp was. Volitan lion and valentini puffer come regularly for cleaning/grooming service. Lion once was seen opening mouth and blood shrimp was operating deep inside lion's throat with it's pinchers. It seems, they feel better after being patted by antennae and pinchers, like petted pet.

FEEDING
How did you get this fish to eat at first? Put feeders guppy into field of view of the lion.
If this fish only accepted live food, how did you wean it over to prepared food? Couple of week later started to feed other fish (fuzzy file) with chopped grocery seafood, lion saw it, jumped and swallowed piece. No problem - weaned since first try.
What’s the diet? Most common - grocery seafood and fish with selcon; likes atlantic salmon, strongly disapproves mussels.
How much and how often do you feed? First 2 months - 3 times daily, then - 2 times daily. If continue eat - until belly rounds, or he stops at own will.
How does this fish eat?(grazers, active or sedentary predators, sand sifters, etc) Active predator, of course, but needs food to be in field of vision.

GROWTH RATE AND LIFE SPAN
What is the initial size of your fish and maximum size it reached? How fast did it grow (how much growth over a given period of time)? Initially 2.5-3" long, now around 5", during 3 months.
What size tank did this fish live in? (or how soon did this fish outgrow what size tank)? What do you think is the minimum tank size required for an adult specimen of this fish? 20 gal high, still plenty of space, already bought 90 gal because of another, bigger fish. Recommended - tried and true - 300 gal for 3 lions.
If this fish went through body pattern change from juvenile to adult, was the change complete? How long did it take? 1.5 month since initial 2.5-3" long.
How long have you kept this fish? If you no longer have this fish, what was the cause? 3 months, still keeping.
What is the longest lifespan and the maximum size of this fish in home aquarium and/or in the wild reported? Can't be precise, but median seems to be 12" and decades in the wild, 11" long 13" fin's span in home aquarium with life span years until action of predation/accident/ disease.

DISEASE AND TREATMENT
What disease has this fish had? How did you treat it, for how long? What's the effect of the treatment? Always healthy.

BEHAVIOR
Does this fish change body color under any circumstances? Bleaches if poor water quality.
How active is this fish? Is this fish shy? Not active - only when minding own business and feeding. I wouldn't say "shy", more self-sufficient and considerate, as a cat.
How territorial or aggressive is this fish? How does this fish interact with tankmates? No territorial interests, cooperates with blood shrimp with sharing the best cave in the tank, avoids conflicts without fear - just considrate. Moves in another place, if too much activity somewhere. Minds own business, doesn't try to dominate, cooperates with other fish during feeding time. Tolerant, not easily annoyed, until the wits end (sp?), then sharply turns with extended fins. No other agressive acts.
Did this fish ever jump out of the tank? No, in open top tank.
How does this fish sleep? As a bat - handing somewhere (rock or equipment) bottom up.
Does this fish allow cleaners to clean? If so which cleaner and how often? Active looks for a grooming, choosed willingly the blood shrimp, not cleaner wrasse.
How does this fish interact with human? As human with it - watching, actively waiting for food, participating in feeding, following piece of food along the glass, or finger, showing the food location. Cooperates during cleaning - moves where is herded by cleaning tool, or just where are less activity.
Any other interesting observation of this fish? Skin shedding.

SUMMARY
Your overall assessment of this species -
How sensitive is this fish to poor water quality on a scale of 1-5? 2 - quite low sensitivity, but reacts by changing brightness of color and breathing. Could be 1, didn't tried (no extreme reactions even at ammonia spike 1.6 mg/l, Hagen test kit).
1 - very tolerant, may survive a cycle in a new tank
2 - quite tolerant, may survive accidental ammonia or nitrite spike
3 - not terribly sensitive to reasonable pH, salinity or temperature changes
4 - sensitive to any significant water chemistry changes, and may show stress during such changes
5 - very sensitive to water quality, may easily get stressed and get sick with any change in water chemistry
Would you recommend this fish to beginners? Yes, for a willing beginners.
Any other recommendations/comments? More sensitive to water quality, then other fish - fuzzy file, valentini puffer, cleaner wrasse and percula clown.

If you have any picture(s) of this fish you took, please post it here and share with us!
My Webshots page (http://community.webshots.com/album/550634585cfLxfe)

kendi

05/28/2006, 04:16 PM

I have had a black volitan lion for about two years now and he is amazing. But last weekend I was messing around in my tank and he was feeling aggressive and stung me. I spent the next three days in the E.R. getting IV antibiotics. If I hadn't received the treatment I could have lost my arm. The medical profession does not know much about the treatment of the venom from this fish. Be careful.

aZnDooDe

08/31/2006, 07:04 PM

hey guys im new at this i was wondering if i can keep a lionfsh in a 40gallon tank because i search the internet alot to see if i can take care of a lionfish. i saw this guy that had 2 voltain in a 29gallon tank they wre about 8 inches long. so plaese write back

Spidross

09/02/2006, 03:29 PM

Hi

yeah have infact got 2 lionfish now in the same tank, absolutely fine and dandy together. Mine is a 50 gallon tank, i know that they will grow quite large but both seem very happy and feeding well. I do intend to graduate in a few months to a bigger tank but they are both just fine in my tank ( the elder one is about 9 inches the younger about 3 inches0
hope his helps

aZnDooDe

09/09/2006, 06:39 PM

so i can put a black voltain in a 40gallon RIGHT????
thanks for the information i needed that and can you send me a picture

aZnDooDe

09/09/2006, 06:39 PM

so i can put a black voltain in a 40gallon RIGHT????
thanks for the information i needed that and can you send me a picture

DrBDC

09/09/2006, 06:59 PM

That will work for about 6-9 months.

aZnDooDe

09/09/2006, 10:36 PM

can i put something different like the fucha mucha lion and dwarf. which is more recomend a dwarf or voltain???

cwschoon

09/10/2006, 12:58 AM

Kendi...did you soak your hand in hot water to disperse the venom? My dwarf jumped a few weeks ago and he ate everything, really easy to keep. Been thinking of a Black Volitan but I only have a 60 gal.

cwschoon

09/10/2006, 01:02 AM

Kendi...I just noticed how many fish you have in that 55!!

DrBDC

09/10/2006, 06:07 AM

Probably the wrong thread to see what kind of lion people like since this is a thread on Volitans. You really need a 90+ gallon tank asap for these fast growing fish. The others I have no idea because I haven't researched them.

AggieC

09/14/2006, 09:48 PM

Any tips on how you picked a healthy specimen of this species from LFS? What do you think is the ideal size to get?
Eyes clear, stripes colorful, hungry (they will always eat) and alert. 3-4".Any special tips about the acclimation and introduction of this fish? No.Any special needs for this fish or special considerations for young specimen? They like places to perch and places to hide, especially from bright light.Should this fish be the first or the last to introduce to a tank? Doesn't matter. Doesn't seem territorial.What tankmates do you have with this fish?Is it a reef or FO tank? polyp, mushroom, clam, polyp, mushroom, Tangs, Angels, crabs, lobsters. Hippo tang tries to nip at it. Lion seems to get along with everybody.Have you had other species of the same genus/family in the same tank? Had Radiata Lion. Volitans stared at it inches away but did not touch it. Unfortunately, it was very delicate is in fish heaven.Did this fish hurt/eat any of other fish (or vice versa)? No. Did this fish hurt/eat Cnidaria (corals, mushrooms or anemones)? No. Did this fish hurt/eat ornamental crustaceans (shrimps, hermits, crabs)? I'm not sure. I do have a rather large red crab missing but it was around for a long time and he never bothered it before. I still have another one. The 7" lobster might have gotten to it also.How did you get this fish to eat at first? Feeder guppies and ghost shrimp for first two weeks.If this fish only accepted live food, how did you wean it over to prepared food? Did not feed him for three or four days. Then started with krill on end of chopstick waving it back and forth in water. He snapped it up. I almost (almost) kissed him.Whatâ€™s the diet? Krill and silversides soaked in garlic. Occasional ghost shrimp for the thrill of the chase. How much and how often do you feed? Main meal once every three days, eats till belly gets roundish bulge. Occasional snack in between.How does this fish eat? He's active predator but slow and other fish get there fast.What is the initial size of your fish and maximum size it reached? How fast did it grow (how much growth over a given period of time)?
Got him at about 8" three months ago. He is about 10" now.What size tank did this fish live in? He lives in an 85 Gal. How long have you kept this fish? If you no longer have this fish, what was the cause? three months, my favorite fish.What is the longest lifespan and the maximum size of this fish in home aquarium and/or in the wild reported? I've read 15" if you feed them well. They will also live long if you don't overfeed them and don't feed them freshwater guppies or other fatty, non-nutrient food.What disease has this fish had? How did you treat it, for how long? What's the effect of the treatment? healthy so far.Does this fish change body color under any circumstances? loses color if ill or water quality bad but very tolerant and hardy.How active is this fish? Is this fish shy? Sloooooooooow motion, but very alert and quick to come to the surface for food.How territorial or aggressive is this fish? How does this fish interact with tankmates? Not territorial but does not like to be bothered either.How does this fish sleep? Upside down, sideways, nose down, however he pleases.How does this fish interact with human? Really fun fish. Mine swims to the top of the tank and sticks his nose out, spitting water at me. He's a glutton. He follows me when I walk around the tank. He did sting me once (my fault) which was REALLY PAINFUL.Any other interesting observation of this fish? Everything is interesting about this fish. He floats then suddenly zips at a prey. Look for him and find him upside down in a corner.How sensitive is this fish to poor water quality on a scale of 1-5?2 Would you recommend this fish to beginners? No. 1. Must wean off live food, get variety of foods and then use feeding stick. 2. Be prepared to get larger tank as lion grows if necessary 3. Know what fish are compatible. 4. Added concern of being venomous (ouch!)

Von_Rahvin

09/22/2006, 10:30 AM

SELECTION
Did you mail order this fish and would you recommend mail order this fish? Are there captive-raised/bred specimen available and where?
nope didn't mail order and not that i know of on the captive bred
Any tips on how you picked a healthy specimen of this species from LFS? What do you think is the ideal size to get?

i got a very small one that was actively interested in what was happening around it and was a very active eater.

ACCLIMATION AND INTRODUCTION
Any special tips about the acclimation and introduction of this fish?

same way i did all my other fish
Any special needs for this fish or special considerations for young specimen?

feeding them. i fed mine live food. why? because what's the point of having a lion fish if you can't watch him hunt. He got fed many different species of fish and schrimps, usually what was left over bait from a days fishing.

COMPATIBILITY
What tankmates do you have with this fish?Is it a reef or FO tank?
hung out fine with grouper, DID not like eels.

Did this fish hurt/eat any of other fish (or vice versa)?
yep. if he could fit it in his mouth it was dead.

Did this fish hurt/eat ornamental crustaceans (shrimps, hermits, crabs)?
yep. hungery little cuss

FEEDING
How did you get this fish to eat at first?
live brine shrimp and sargasso shrimp

If this fish only accepted live food, how did you wean it over to prepared food?
didn't want to
What’s the diet?
at the end, live shrimp, mullet, small drums, damsels

How much and how often do you feed?
every 3 days
How does this fish eat?(grazers, active or sedentary predators, sand sifters, etc)

agressively hunting and killing fish. i would leave a dozen or so shrimp in the tank at any given time so he could munch when he was hungery

GROWTH RATE AND LIFE SPAN
What is the initial size of your fish and maximum size it reached? How fast did it grow (how much growth over a given period of time)?

when i got him he was 2 inches and at the end close to 14

What size tank did this fish live in? (or how soon did this fish outgrow what size tank)? What do you think is the minimum tank size required for an adult specimen of this fish?
started in a 20, moved to a 65 and ended in a 135
If this fish went through body pattern change from juvenile to adult, was the change complete? How long did it take?
nope
How long have you kept this fish? If you no longer have this fish, what was the cause?
5 years, hurricanes power loss.

DISEASE AND TREATMENT
What disease has this fish had? How did you treat it, for how long? What's the effect of the treatment?
never had a problem

BEHAVIOR
Does this fish change body color under any circumstances?
yep. he hated bob marley and loved U2. also turned bright green at the slightest hint of cleavage
How active is this fish? Is this fish shy?
very
How territorial or aggressive is this fish? How does this fish interact with tankmates?
bullyied them
Did this fish ever jump out of the tank?
nope but he had an enclose hood
How does this fish sleep?
vertical on his rock
Does this fish allow cleaners to clean? If so which cleaner and how often?
nope
How does this fish interact with human?
very friendly until you suck your hand in the tank. loved to watch beerpong matches.
Any other interesting observation of this fish?

loved women. and i do mean really. if a hot chick was in the room, he would not pay any attention to anything else

SUMMARY
Your overall assessment of this species -
How sensitive is this fish to poor water quality on a scale of 1-5?
1 - very tolerant, may survive a cycle in a new tank
2 - quite tolerant, may survive accidental ammonia or nitrite spike
3 - not terribly sensitive to reasonable pH, salinity or temperature changes
4 - sensitive to any significant water chemistry changes, and may show stress during such changes
5 - very sensitive to water quality, may easily get stressed and get sick with any change in water chemistry

3
Would you recommend this fish to beginners?
no
Any other recommendations/comments?
love my fish and will get another one when i have a big enough house to have a big enough tank for a pair

If you have any picture(s) of this fish you took, please post it here and share with us! [/B]

jpool3

12/11/2006, 11:37 PM

my lion died last month. i was crushed. i set up a new 100g and moved all my fish at one time. the next day he was dark in color and would hardly swin around. two days later he moved on to the big ocean in the sky. i had him about 8 months and he tripled in size. in that time i found out better to feed frozen couse if feed live he thought the other fish where ok to it. luckly he only ate a couple damsel. live fish is fun to feed them because the chase is on but be careful that tankmates are bigger than him. my lion would eat from my hands, good thing they dont have teeth

ram74

12/31/2006, 05:51 PM

My Lion about 10"

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r8/audiko4/aquarium/P1000304.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r8/audiko4/aquarium/P1000301.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r8/audiko4/aquarium/P1000302.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r8/audiko4/aquarium/P1000303.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r8/audiko4/aquarium/P1000300.jpg

Billy Rocket

01/10/2007, 08:56 PM

my lion is a great fish. I've only had one loin, maybe i got lucky but i have had no problems.

-my lion is 6yrs. old

-got him? at LFS
-eats frozen shrimp, scallops, fish, squid, octopus etc..
-i feed 2 times a week
-he gets along well with anything that doesn't fit in his mouth
-he is -/+ 11 in. long, 3in. when i got him
-it REALLY hurts if it stings you. (believe me, i know......OUCH!!!)
-great fish for beginner

Not that I'm an expert, but some pointers for the beginners:

-big tank, this fish will get BIG
-no goldfish
-a large selection of food
-if it fits in its mouth, it will be gone
-don't let it near your hands...OUCH

boggs32

03/27/2007, 01:28 AM

SELECTION
Did you mail order this fish and would you recommend mail order this fish? Are there captive-raised/bred specimen available and where? No and no. I'm not sure about the third part but I'm sure there are.

Any tips on how you picked a healthy specimen of this species from LFS? What do you think is the ideal size to get? I grabbed the first one I saw. Although mine is very healthy and looks wonderful in my aquarium, I saw one a few weeks later that I LOVED. The colors were amazing. My suggestion: BE PATIENT!

Are there any noticeable differences in body shape, pattern or color among the same species or between juvenile and adult of this species? Not Sure

Is there a way to tell the sex of this fish? Not that I'm aware of at this time

ACCLIMATION AND INTRODUCTION
Any special tips about the acclimation and introduction of this fish? This has been an easy fish for me to introduce. I drip-acclimated him for about 40 minutes before introducing him to my new 75 gallon aquarium.

Any special needs for this fish or special considerations for young specimen? Try to get him to eat krill or other shrimp. He is a predator and he wants to eat other fish. He will if you let him so don't put anything in the tank that will fit in his mouth... ever.

Should this fish be the first or the last to introduce to a tank? I think it would work either way but I've only experienced introducing him first. He was very territorial. I actually had to capture him so he would quit stalking the other fish as I introduced them. After that, he sulked for a couple of weeks, hiding behind rocks even at night time and completely avoiding the other fish, until I gave him a live meal. He then started acting normal like in the beginning.

COMPATIBILITY
What tankmates do you have with this fish?Is it a reef or FO tank? It's beginning to be a reef tank. I currently have a snowflake eel, coral beauty angel, foxface lo, Hawiian tang, blue tang, and a scopas tang.

Have you had more than one of this species in the same tank? If so, is there a certain male/female ratio or group number worked for you (to have a harem or pecking order)? Do they school?
Have you had other species of the same genus/family in the same tank? No but I did see a tank with at least 15 lionfish. They did not school during the time I saw them, they were all very to themselves.
Whatâ€™s the stocking order (considering the above factors) that worked for you? I actually had a dragon goby already established in the aquarium that was eaten three days after I added the lionfish. After that, I added the Coral Beauty. A few weeks later I added all of the other fish listed except the scopas tang which I added last. The scopas gets a long fine with the other tangs despite being added in much later. I did however change the live rock around somewhat when adding the scopas as well as feeding the lionfish a live feeder.
Did this fish hurt/eat any of other fish (or vice versa)? The lion has only eaten the goby at this point.
Did this fish hurt/eat Cnidaria (corals, mushrooms or anemones)? Not yet. My lion is actually very slow moving unless he is stalking another fish. Even then he only lunges when he is trying to eat. Normally that is out in the open part of my aquarium and not close to the corals. He sometimes hides beside my Fungia and seems to love it.
Did this fish hurt/eat ornamental crustaceans (shrimps, hermits, crabs)? I have only bought crabs with a shell. I think he would eat anything without a shell but I have not attempted to cross that bridge yet. He did go after a hermit one day when the tank was still young, but the hermit tucked away and was able to get out of harms way. I haven't seen the lionfish try since.

FEEDING
How did you get this fish to eat at first? I have tried many things but I have only been able to get him to eat live food at this point. I'm going to try live shrimp next and then try krill again.
If this fish only accepted live food, how did you wean it over to prepared food? I haven't been able to yet.
Whatâ€™s the diet? Unfortunately, only live freshwater feeder fish at this point but it's still a fairly new aquarium.
How much and how often do you feed? 1 sm-med fish every 2 weeks.
How does this fish eat?(grazers, active or sedentary predators, sand sifters, etc) Predator. He will follow his prey and normally attacks once the fish turns toward him.

GROWTH RATE AND LIFE SPAN
What is the initial size of your fish and maximum size it reached? I would say he's 3-4inchs and he's grown little to none in the 2.5 months I've had him.
How fast did it grow (how much growth over a given period of time)?
What size tank did this fish live in? (or how soon did this fish outgrow what size tank)? I have him in a 75 gallon. What do you think is the minimum tank size required for an adult specimen of this fish? I'm not sure, I think a 75 gallon is plenty of room. They don't move around much, I think they would be happy with whatever as long as they are given a chance to hunt and hide.

If this fish went through body pattern change from juvenile to adult, was the change complete? How long did it take? N/A

How long have you kept this fish? If you no longer have this fish, what was the cause? 2.5 months and counting
What is the longest lifespan and the maximum size of this fish in home aquarium and/or in the wild reported? From what I've seen from this survey 20 years :o)

DISEASE AND TREATMENT
What disease has this fish had? How did you treat it, for how long? What's the effect of the treatment? None at this point

BEHAVIOR
Does this fish change body color under any circumstances? It seems to but it could be different shades brought out around different corals. I have recently added a large pink Colt to my aquarium and the lion seems to have much more of a red tint than he had before.
How active is this fish? Is this fish shy? Very active in the night. Kinda hides/remains stationary during the day. He is NOT shy. He is more than curious whether it be your face at the tank or your hand in the tank, he wants to see what's going on.... not always a good thing :o)

How territorial or aggressive is this fish? How does this fish interact with tankmates? He is very calm with his tank mates. He does like to show his aggressiveness off toward his live meals in front of the other fish but he has very rarely chased or lunged after another fish in the tank. He and the Foxface Lo seem to get along the best but he doesn't chase the other fish off or the eel off when they get close... or in the eels case, when he wraps himself around him.

Did this fish ever jump out of the tank? No
How does this fish sleep? normally upsidedown or sideways at the top of the tank, under a piece of liverock. I built a nice bridge out of the rock so he is normally under the liverock now.
Does this fish allow cleaners to clean? If so which cleaner and how often? I have not seen that happen.
How does this fish interact with human? He is not afraid of humans by any means but he is also not dominate towards me. He lets me reach in and do whatever I need to and he normally just moves to another spot in the aquarium. Normally he will come over to see what I'm doing if I'm moving something but will go right back to where he was.
Any other interesting observation of this fish? He's very curious when I add new items. He has to be the first to know. He always goes up to a new bag that is tossed into the aquarium. If it's a feeder fish he will sit and wait, sometimes lunging at the fish while still in the bag. If it's a new addition that won't fit in his mouth, he'll go look at it and then go back to whatever he was doing.

REPRODUCTION
If you have a mated pair, how did you get them to pair up? N/A
Any information of spawning in captivity? None

SUMMARY
Your overall assessment of this species -
How sensitive is this fish to poor water quality on a scale of 1-5? 1-3
1 - very tolerant, may survive a cycle in a new tank
2 - quite tolerant, may survive accidental ammonia or nitrite spike
3 - not terribly sensitive to reasonable pH, salinity or temperature changes
4 - sensitive to any significant water chemistry changes, and may show stress during such changes
5 - very sensitive to water quality, may easily get stressed and get sick with any change in water chemistry
Would you recommend this fish to beginners? Yes! I'm a beginner :o)
Any other recommendations/comments? I love my Lion!

If you have any picture(s) of this fish you took, please post it here and share with us! http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/151267Mar07-08cropped.jpg

Thanks, good luck with the survey! I look forward to seeing the results!

justinl

03/27/2007, 02:27 AM

okay i just quickly skimmed through this thread so i apologize if this has already been mentioned.

cmopatability: this is a very peaceful fish. the only reason we can classify it as "aggressive" is the venom. size has already been mentioned. I would be most worried about mean fish and fin nippers like triggers or puffers (although some cases have worked fine).

venom: the venom is not fatal unless you have a reaction. best thing to do is call 911 immediately and let them know what happened. it is protein based so run the stung part under water that is as hot as you can stand without scalding yourself. Application of corticoid creams help to ease the pain.

Volitan lions can get up to 18inches and need at the very least 100 gal. I would give it more. If you want a lion whose minimum is 75gal becasue it stays smaller, then pterois russelli is a great choice. russelli lions are easy to distinguish from true volitans if you know what to look for, but are often mistaken as volitans.

the easiest difference is the banding patterns on the body. volitans have a denser pattern of thin stripes. russelli have bandings of mostly broad stripes (with significantly less thin stripes than volitan).

for example...
ram 74: your lion is a shining example of a beautiful lion. note that the banding is dense with thin stripes.
dr BDC: your pic is that of a clearly stunning russelli lion. note the broad patterning (relative to volitan) on the tail in that pic.

drBDC, I don't mean to put your lion down. I actually generally prefer russelli over volitan because they're pretty much the same but smaller versions of their cousins. gorgeous specimen.

for more info on different species of lion and good pics to compare them...
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-11/fm/feature/index.php
i think this was referred to but wasn't linked.

lfduty

03/30/2007, 05:27 PM

please do not recommend it to beginers or "just try one" unless you are sure you want it. Mine was returned because my tank broke, and I cannot provide suitable accomodation - thankfully he was only 6"

js_bass

10/01/2007, 12:41 AM

these are sweet fish even if they die young

cwschoon

10/01/2007, 07:49 AM

They should live for a very long time!! I have had a beautiful black volitan for several weeks and he is taking silversides. I am going to try other types of frozen-squid, etc-soon.
I bought a 12 gal eclipse and am raising black mollies to feed him. I set this tank up when I got the volitan, as I was not sure if he would take frozen. I am rasing mollies in full salt and feeding marine flake and frozen. I do soak fd krill in ZOE also. They should not be fed fresh water fish, especially goldfish...they need the proper fats, etc from ocean critters.

DrBDC

10/01/2007, 08:02 AM

I had previously entered into the poll 1-6 months current I believe. We had Simba in my one son's room (then 10, now 12 y/o) and all was well. He was feeding silversides with ease, and about 1X a month I'd go get a molly out of the freshwater tank. He had easily doubled in size over a year. He had eaten a silverside the night before and was looking at me that next morning. I was out running some errands and the Mrs. called and said he was expired. I have no idea what happened. He had a lot of personality, or I imagined he did when he really only wanted food. But either way, he was cool. I no longer have that tank in my son's room so until I have a f/o style tank, I won't be able to try again.

boggs32

12/19/2007, 06:25 PM

Survey
SELECTION
Did you mail order this fish and would you recommend mail order this fish? Are there captive-raised/bred specimen available and where? Yes and Yes! I lost my first lionfish because I could not ween him off of live foods. My second lion came from Liveaquaria and ate frozen foods immediately. I won't buy a lion from a pet store again. Still haven't heard or read about camptive raised or bread lions.

Any tips on how you picked a healthy specimen of this species from LFS? What do you think is the ideal size to get? I originally grabbed the first one I saw. Although it was very healthy and looked wonderful in my aquarium, I saw one a few weeks later that I LOVED more. A beautiful bright red. My suggestion: BE PATIENT!

Are there any noticeable differences in body shape, pattern or color among the same species or between juvenile and adult of this species? Juvies, from what I've seen have a very small body compared to their wingspan. They also have not developed all of their anal fins from what I've been able to see.

Is there a way to tell the sex of this fish? Not that I'm aware of at this time

ACCLIMATION AND INTRODUCTION
Any special tips about the acclimation and introduction of this fish? Both fish were easy for me to introduce. I drip-acclimated both for about 40 minutes before introducing them to my 75 gallon aquarium.

Any special needs for this fish or special considerations for young specimen? Try to get him to eat krill or other shrimp. He is a predator and he wants to eat other fish. He will if you let him so don't put anything in the tank that will fit in his mouth... ever. Seriously... no live foods.

Should this fish be the first or the last to introduce to a tank? I think it would work either way but I've only experienced introducing the lion first. Both are very territorial. I actually had to capture the first one so he would quit stalking the other fish as I introduced them. After that, he sulked for a couple of weeks, hiding behind rocks even at night time and completely avoiding the other fish, until I gave him a live meal. He then started acting normal like in the beginning. The second lion has been a bit better although there were several inhabitants in there before he was introduced. My final answer, I would suggest introducing them last when possible.

COMPATIBILITY
What tankmates do you have with this fish?Is it a reef or FO tank? It a reef tank. Fish wise, I have had a snowflake eel, coral beauty angel, foxface lo, Hawiian tang, blue tang, scopas tang, hawkfish, and tomato clownfish.

Have you had more than one of this species in the same tank? If so, is there a certain male/female ratio or group number worked for you (to have a harem or pecking order)? Do they school?
Have you had other species of the same genus/family in the same tank? No but I did see a tank with at least 15 lionfish. They did not school during the time I saw them, they were all very to themselves.

Whatâ€™s the stocking order (considering the above factors) that worked for you? I actually had a dragon goby already established in the aquarium that was eaten three days after I added the lionfish. After that, I added the Coral Beauty. A few weeks later I added all of the other fish listed except the scopas tang which I added last. The scopas gets a long fine with the other tangs despite being added in much later. I did however change the live rock around somewhat when adding the scopas as well as feeding the lionfish a live feeder.

Did this fish hurt/eat any of other fish (or vice versa)? My first lion only ate a dragon goby and feeder fish

Did this fish hurt/eat Cnidaria (corals, mushrooms or anemones)? Never, and I have all of the above

Did this fish hurt/eat ornamental crustaceans (shrimps, hermits, crabs)? Neither of the lions I have had have eaten any hermits. The first lion did devor a peppermint shrimp and a ghost shrimp almost instantly. Anything without a shell is fair game.

FEEDING
How did you get this fish to eat at first? I tried many things with my first lion but I was only able to get him to eat live food. The second Lion will eat ANYTHING and I mean anything. I put in sponge cube occasionally for my angel and he even eats those now.

If this fish only accepted live food, how did you wean it over to prepared food? I wasn't able to wean the first lion away from live foods.

Whatâ€™s the diet? Freeze dried and frozen Krill. The occasional sponge (not on purpose), mysis and about any other cube I stick in the tank for other fish.

How much and how often do you feed? 1 sm-med fish every 2 weeks (for the first lion). The second lion, I'm feeding once a day or every other day a large piece of krill or two.
How does this fish eat?(grazers, active or sedentary predators, sand sifters, etc) The first lion was a Predator. He would follow his prey and normally attack once the fish turns toward him. The second lion would hit the meal before it hit the water 9 times out of 10.

GROWTH RATE AND LIFE SPAN
What is the initial size of your fish and maximum size it reached? The first Lion grew very little over the several months I had him. I wasn't feeding him quite as frequently. The second lion has nearly tripled in size during the several months I've had him

How fast did it grow (how much growth over a given period of time)? The first one was being fed much less frequently and grew very little. The second is growing at a much faster rate but was also much smaller upon purchase.

What size tank did this fish live in? (or how soon did this fish outgrow what size tank)? I had both in my 75 gallon.

What do you think is the minimum tank size required for an adult specimen of this fish? I think a 75 gallon is plenty of space for a lion. They don't move around much, I think they would be happy with anything larger than 30 gallons as long as they are given a chance to hunt and hide.

If this fish went through body pattern change from juvenile to adult, was the change complete? How long did it take? I'm not sure that I received my current lion when he was a juvenile but the wing span has pretty much stayed the same and only his body has grown.

How long have you kept this fish? If you no longer have this fish, what was the cause? The first lion I got in Jan 07. He died around June 07. I obtained my second Lion around July 07

What is the longest lifespan and the maximum size of this fish in home aquarium and/or in the wild reported? From what I've seen from this survey 20 years!

DISEASE AND TREATMENT
What disease has this fish had? How did you treat it, for how long? What's the effect of the treatment? None other than sudden death due to poor feeding habits.

BEHAVIOR
Does this fish change body color under any circumstances? Yes, sometimes my lion has appeared to be a bright red tint, others a very dark black. Even the white span on his fins appear to change. It also has a lot to do with what corals he is close to.

How active is this fish? Is this fish shy? Neither of my lions were shy. 1 was Very active in the night but hid/remained stationary during the day. He was more than curious whether it be your face at the tank or your hand in the tank, he wants to see what's going on.... not always a good thing... the second lion was out a lot. Even during the day, he slept where he could be seen, typically along side my power head. If a move was made in the tank that was unusual, he was checking it out. He would take food right from your hand if you let him, always hungry!

How territorial or aggressive is this fish? How does this fish interact with tankmates? The first was very calm with his tank mates. He liked to show his aggressiveness off toward his live meals in front of the other fish but he rarely chased or lunged after another fish in the tank. The first lion and the Foxface Lo seem to get along the best but he doesn't chase the other fish off or the eel off when they get close... or, in the eels case, when the eel wraps himself around the lion during feeding time, the lion pays no attention to it. Things were similar with the second lion except he hated the Foxface. He would chase the foxface all over the tank.

Did this fish ever jump out of the tank? Not really. The second lion lunged one time when I was dipping frozen krill into the in-tank refugium to de-ice it before feeding. He apparently wanted right then coming up out of the water and getting stuck on the side of the refugium.

How does this fish sleep? the first was upsidedown or sideways at the top of the tank or under a piece of liverock. I built a nice bridge out of the rock so he normally hung out under the liverock. The second lion normally slept sideways beside the powerhead.

Does this fish allow cleaners to clean? If so which cleaner and how often? I have never seen this happen.

How does this fish interact with human? Lions are not afraid of humans by any means. With the first one I could reach in and do whatever I needed to and he would normally move to another spot in the aquarium. Normally he would come over to see what I'm doing if but then he would go right back to where he was. They second one wanted to be in the middle of all action. It wasn't a good combo for me with the tomato clowns. The female clown would always be biting me when I needed to do stuff in the aquarium, and the lion would just keep getting closer and closer. I could not shoo the second lion away.

Any other interesting observation of this fish? They were very curious when I added new items. They both had to be the first to know what's going on. They both would go up to a new bag that is tossed into the aquarium, whether it was fish or corals. In the case of the first one, if it's a feeder fish or a shrimp, he will sit and wait, sometimes lunging at the fish/shrimp while still in the bag. If it's a new addition that won't fit in his mouth, he'll go look at it and then go back to whatever he was doing.

REPRODUCTION
If you have a mated pair, how did you get them to pair up? N/A
Any information of spawning in captivity? None

SUMMARY
Your overall assessment of this species -
How sensitive is this fish to poor water quality on a scale of 1-5? 1-3, I know 2 and 3 are true. Not sure about 1, hope I never know for sure!

1 - very tolerant, may survive a cycle in a new tank
2 - quite tolerant, may survive accidental ammonia or nitrite spike
3 - not terribly sensitive to reasonable pH, salinity or temperature changes
4 - sensitive to any significant water chemistry changes, and may show stress during such changes
5 - very sensitive to water quality, may easily get stressed and get sick with any change in water chemistry
Would you recommend this fish to beginners? Yes! I was a beginner, still am I guess! This was one of my first fish though and although I lost my first one, I still feel they are very hardy. I don't think pet stores tell you the truth though when it comes to live feeding.

Any other recommendations/comments? I love my Lion!

If you have any picture(s) of this fish you took, please post it here and share with us!

http://thumb8.webshots.net/t/30/466/5/12/5/2931512050067336508QhcdLU_th.jpg (http://pets.webshots.com/photo/2931512050067336508QhcdLU)http://thumb8.webshots.net/t/30/466/7/92/60/2347792600067336508OWvbrh_th.jpg (http://pets.webshots.com/photo/2347792600067336508OWvbrh)http://thumb8.webshots.net/t/55/555/6/85/46/2645685460067336508leGckQ_th.jpg (http://pets.webshots.com/photo/2645685460067336508leGckQ)

Thanks, good luck with the survey! I look forward to seeing the results!

echiang06

03/20/2008, 01:40 AM

SELECTION
Did you mail order this fish and would you recommend mail order this fish? Are there captive-raised/bred specimen available and where?
I got one from petco and one from another hobbyist. Both wild.

Any tips on how you picked a healthy specimen of this species from LFS? What do you think is the ideal size to get?
I got both at around 3" for the body and they're both doing great. The larger ones at the pet stores are typically the ones that look worse off.

Are there any noticeable differences in body shape, pattern or color among the same species or between juvenile and adult of this species?
The juvenile is a lot darker has longer horns, the overall body shape is a little different too (older = fatter, like humans:))

ACCLIMATION AND INTRODUCTION
Any special tips about the acclimation and introduction of this fish?
Any special needs for this fish or special considerations for young specimen?
They're pretty hardy, I've moved one through three tanks and the other through two, and they acclimate pretty darn well.

Should this fish be the first or the last to introduce to a tank?
Last, because if you feed them with live feeders or a wiggle stick, they automatically attack anything moving.

COMPATIBILITY
What tankmates do you have with this fish?Is it a reef or FO tank?
Have you had more than one of this species in the same tank? If so, is there a certain male/female ratio or group number worked for you (to have a harem or pecking order)? Do they school?
Have you had other species of the same genus/family in the same tank?
I have two volitans living fine, they like to hang out on the same rock (whichever the rock of the hour happens to be). I don't know gender. I had the little one with a large clownfish too large for it to eat, but it still chased it. The smaller one loves to hang out with my porcupine puffer.

Did this fish hurt/eat any of other fish (or vice versa)?
Feeders, at first lunged at smaller lionfish but only initial reaction was hostile.

Did this fish hurt/eat Cnidaria (corals, mushrooms or anemones)?
It ignored my condylactis.

Did this fish hurt/eat ornamental crustaceans (shrimps, hermits, crabs)?
nope

FEEDING
How did you get this fish to eat at first?
Garlic and wiggled frozen shrimp.

If this fish only accepted live food, how did you wean it over to prepared food?
Garlic powder

Whatâ€™s the diet?
Shrimp
How much and how often do you feed?
7/ a week, but not every day
How does this fish eat?(grazers, active or sedentary predators, sand sifters, etc)

GROWTH RATE AND LIFE SPAN
What is the initial size of your fish and maximum size it reached?
from 3" to 5.5"

How fast did it grow (how much growth over a given period of time)?
In three months

What size tank did this fish live in? (or how soon did this fish outgrow what size tank)? What do you think is the minimum tank size required for an adult specimen of this fish?
At first a 20 long, but it outgrew it, it's now in a 110

If this fish went through body pattern change from juvenile to adult, was the change complete? How long did it take?

How long have you kept this fish? If you no longer have this fish, what was the cause?

What is the longest lifespan and the maximum size of this fish in home aquarium and/or in the wild reported?

DISEASE AND TREATMENT
What disease has this fish had? How did you treat it, for how long? What's the effect of the treatment?
Seems ich resistant, my tang is the only one who ever got it.

BEHAVIOR
Does this fish change body color under any circumstances?
turns light when unhealthy (poor water quality, hungry)

How active is this fish? Is this fish shy?
Crazy active, moving all the time.

How territorial or aggressive is this fish? How does this fish interact with tankmates?
non-territorial, very aggresive

Did this fish ever jump out of the tank?
too much air resistance, I'm guessing

How does this fish sleep?
sideways on rocks

Does this fish allow cleaners to clean? If so which cleaner and how often?
How does this fish interact with human?
follows me around the room, will swim up to surface if he sees me thawing shrimp (next to the sink with water on)

Any other interesting observation of this fish?

REPRODUCTION
If you have a mated pair, how did you get them to pair up?
Any information of spawning in captivity?

SUMMARY
Your overall assessment of this species -
How sensitive is this fish to poor water quality on a scale of 1-5?
1 - very tolerant, may survive a cycle in a new tank
2 - quite tolerant, may survive accidental ammonia or nitrite spike

Would you recommend this fish to beginners?
Definitely maybe

Death Shrimp99

04/16/2008, 03:41 PM

Theres a small Volitans at my LFS and I saw it eating pellets and flakefood. It has been there for about a month now. Is it better to buy a fish right after the fish store gets it or one that they have had for a while?
Are Lionfish necessarily less agressive/(likely to eat tankmates) if fed non-live food and more agressive if they are always fed live food or does it not really make a difference? If a Lionfish is fed only pellets or flakefood for a long time will they refuse to eat live food?(I can get live saltwater/brackish fish and shrimp nearby)

Racin&Reefin

04/26/2008, 09:00 AM

I bought a small Volitans at my LFS and put it in a 29 gallon tank with a puffer. He had been at the store for 3 weeks and seemed healthy. We loved him. He would eat frozen shrimp giving it a little wiggle in front of him and would always come by and see us when we walked up to the tank. He ignored the smalll corals we had with him and he hung out with the puffer. everything seemed to be going great and I woke up yesterday and he was dead. I immediately checked the water and all parameters tested in spec. We're really disappointed. We .loved that fish...

5h3rW1N

06/21/2008, 02:23 PM

i kept mine about 8 months

hoff

11/16/2008, 04:13 AM

Just wanted to add mine. Caught him yesterday on the reef while snorkeling. About 2.5 inches long. Taking food well.http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VbrMNZlq1pA/SR_zFv-7oaI/AAAAAAAABP4/WJQ9tlEe8PE/s1600-h/DSC_1560.JPG

hoff

11/16/2008, 04:29 AM

Here he is. Sorry.http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/205003lion.JPG

billvan

11/24/2008, 01:10 AM

Had a lion for about a year, Lived with a DF Puffer and Black trigger for 8 months. Then one day came home and the Lion was ripped apart, all spines gone etc.......Always wanted another but haven't had the heart as the Trigger and DF still doing fine :(

jcorritore

11/30/2008, 05:01 PM

OK here goes, I was feeding my lion with frozen shrimp, and he/she violently gulped at it and missed. Now the upper jaw/lip is extended and will not retract. Anybody seen this before or am I the first. He has tried to extended it and get it to snap back but no luck so far. I am thinking to leave him alone for a day or two to see what happens then try to net him and pop it back. that is my last resort. He can not eat tha way he is. Any help would be appreciated. i would start a thread but can't. Thanks Joe

nanoman27

12/29/2008, 12:43 PM

SELECTION
Did you mail order this fish and would you recommend mail order this fish? NO
Are there captive-raised/bred specimen available and where? idk
Any tips on how you picked a healthy specimen of this species from LFS? Most of the time they are sorta lying down or hiding. You need to pick one thats up and about . Not boring or you will be disapointed
What do you think is the ideal size to get? i would try to get the smallest they grow quick
Are there any noticeable differences in body shape, pattern or color among the same species or between juvenile and adult of this species? How they act a full grown one is very bold and is king of the jungle when i had mine when he was little he was scared of my maroon clown.
Is there a way to tell the sex of this fish? idk

ACCLIMATION AND INTRODUCTION
Any special tips about the acclimation and introduction of this fish? yes if you bag float him be careful because i don't recommend because they have sharp spines that may pop the bag
Any special needs for this fish or special considerations for young specimen? For young i would try to feed him ghost shrimp in a net wave it in front of him and then when he grows up put krill in it mine wouldn't eat krill when he was little.
Should this fish be the first or the last to introduce to a tank? I would probabely put him last unless the fish you put in after him are bigger or he'll think there food

COMPATIBILITY
What tankmates do you have with this fish?Is it a reef or FO tank? I had a cleaner shrimp in with him no problem.any trigger and puffer besides valentini or any tobys he'll eat him he ate my pink spot
Have you had more than one of this species in the same tank? If so, is there a certain male/female ratio or group number worked for you (to have a harem or pecking order)? Do they school? no and idk i had a volitan
Have you had other species of the same genus/family in the same tank? no
Whatâ€™s the stocking order (considering the above factors) that worked for you?
Did this fish hurt/eat any of other fish (or vice versa)? ate my valentini he tried nipping the lionfish and he ate him
Did this fish hurt/eat Cnidaria (corals, mushrooms or anemones)? never had experience with them
Did this fish hurt/eat ornamental crustaceans (shrimps, hermits, crabs)? no had a cleaner shrimp it cleaned him

FEEDING
How did you get this fish to eat at first? Ghost feeder shrimp
If this fish only accepted live food, how did you wean it over to prepared food? I got a net put ghost shrimp in when he was a baby and ate it out of it and switched it with krill and mysis and he ate it
Whatâ€™s the diet?
How much and how often do you feed? morning and night
How does this fish eat?(grazers, active or sedentary predators, sand sifters, etc) Comes up when food is in tank

GROWTH RATE AND LIFE SPAN
What is the initial size of your fish and maximum size it reached? He got big to big had to bring him back How fast did it grow (how much growth over a given period of time)? had him since he was little and grew in a 1 and a half had in a 125 gallon fowlr
What size tank did this fish live in? (or how soon did this fish outgrow what size tank)? fowlr What do you think is the minimum tank size required for an adult specimen of this fish? 100 gallon works mine just got huge around 1' 11'' huge and he just got to big and ate alot of my fish
If this fish went through body pattern change from juvenile to adult, was the change complete? How long did it take? 1-2 year
How long have you kept this fish? If you no longer have this fish, what was the cause? He got to big and ate alot
What is the longest lifespan and the maximum size of this fish in home aquarium and/or in the wild reported? idk

DISEASE AND TREATMENT
What disease has this fish had? How did you treat it, for how long? What's the effect of the treatment? healthy fat fish

BEHAVIOR
Does this fish change body color under any circumstances? no
How active is this fish? Is this fish shy? alot are lazy mine loved to kill stuff
How territorial or aggressive is this fish? How does this fish interact with tankmates? bad when they try to take food
Did this fish ever jump out of the tank? no
How does this fish sleep? in a cave
Does this fish allow cleaners to clean? If so which cleaner and how often? when ever my cleaner shrimp did all the time
How does this fish interact with human? hand feed him no problem
Any other interesting observation of this fish? fast grabbers of food

REPRODUCTION
If you have a mated pair, how did you get them to pair up?
Any information of spawning in captivity? no

SUMMARY
Your overall assessment of this species - 1
How sensitive is this fish to poor water quality on a scale of 1-5?
1 - very tolerant, may survive a cycle in a new tank
2 - quite tolerant, may survive accidental ammonia or nitrite spike
3 - not terribly sensitive to reasonable pH, salinity or temperature changes
4 - sensitive to any significant water chemistry changes, and may show stress during such changes
5 - very sensitive to water quality, may easily get stressed and get sick with any change in water chemistry
Would you recommend this fish to beginners? yes

nanoman27

12/29/2008, 12:43 PM

norgemorir

02/16/2009, 06:25 PM

@Death Shrimp99

I weaned mine off goldfish (from a previous owner) to silversides and I'd say there's no change in his appetite.. I watch him eye the silversides as they float around and I get the feeling he's trying to talk himself into believing they're alive :) He won't touch them once they hit the rock or substrate. I can feed saltwater guppies every once in a while for a treat and by the next feeding he still doesn't hesitate to go back to the silversides, including eating them off the chopsticks.

He won't touch pellets or flake though.

evojoe67

03/06/2009, 10:18 PM

I've had my Volitans since May. Not really sure of the exact growth rate since getting him initially, but i'd day he almost doubled in size.
I've got him in a tank with a Fu Manchu and a Lunar wrasse, which is a fish i would not recomend.
The V. Lion is such a peaceful fish with an awesome almost dog like personality. When i sit next to the tank he hovers over next to where i'm sitting and stares at me with such expression in his eyes. It's incredible. He knows me when i walk into the room and comes to the front of the tank as if to say "hi"!
I just added a Picasso Trigger and a Miniatus Grouper to the tank. The Lion was very accepting of these new additions and really just keeps to himself.
If i were to approximate, i'd say it's "wingspan" is about a foot wide.

evojoe67

03/07/2009, 10:09 AM

Pictures of my Volitans.
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll118/evojoe67/IMG_6123.jpg
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll118/evojoe67/IMG_6128.jpg

mortis13

04/25/2009, 09:51 PM

is it just me or does everyone think all the tank sizes recommended are far too small? a fish that gets 12"-18" in a 115g? a 75? 55!!!? what a horrid existence. i would have thought a 180 absolute min. as wide as the fins spread it shoul be in a tank min 30' wide (front to back) IMO. that or stick some reversing sensors to it, unless you like the restaurant look in which case i'll have the red one with chips!

sacremon

05/21/2009, 10:29 PM

I think 18" would be an extreme case, more likely 12"-14". They are slow swimmers and like caves, so having their fins brush up against something is not unusual for them. Mine likes to perch braced between the rocks of his cave and the wall of the aquarium. I wouldn't go with anything less than roughly 90 gallons for the sake of space and maintaining water quality.

whatcaneyedo

08/10/2009, 11:47 PM

SELECTION
Did you mail order this fish and would you recommend mail order this fish? I bought locally.

Are there captive-raised/bred specimen available and where? Doubt it.

Any tips on how you picked a healthy specimen of this species from LFS? Look for good color, non-broken fins, active, and eating frozen foods.

What do you think is the ideal size to get? Small, 3" or so.

Are there any noticeable differences in body shape, pattern or color among the same species or between juvenile and adult of this species? Adults are 'fatter' looking and lose the long 'eyebrow' projections.

Is there a way to tell the sex of this fish? NA

ACCLIMATION AND INTRODUCTION
Any special tips about the acclimation and introduction of this fish? Be careful when handling.

Any special needs for this fish or special considerations for young specimen? Can be tricky to get to eat frozen foods, need a varied diet.

Should this fish be the first or the last to introduce to a tank? Can be a glutton when feeding so add last if wanting to keep more timid feeders.

COMPATIBILITY
What tankmates do you have with this fish? Snowflake Moray Eel, Tomato Clownfish, Purple Tang, Copperbanded Butterfly.

Is it a reef or FO tank? Reef safe but will eat smaller fish and shrimp.

Have you had more than one of this species in the same tank? No.

If so, is there a certain male/female ratio or group number worked for you (to have a harem or pecking order)? NA

Do they school? NA

Have you had other species of the same genus/family in the same tank? No.

What’s the stocking order (considering the above factors) that worked for you? NA

Did this fish hurt/eat any of other fish (or vice versa)? Tried to eat a Mandarin Dragonet and a Sailfin Blenny

Did this fish hurt/eat Cnidaria (corals, mushrooms or anemones)? No but it knocked some over.

Did this fish hurt/eat ornamental crustaceans (shrimps, hermits, crabs)? No, but none were present.

FEEDING
How did you get this fish to eat at first? I offered live guppies, then dead guppies on a stick, and finally frozen silversides on a stick.

If this fish only accepted live food, how did you wean it over to prepared food? See above.

What’s the diet? Vitamin soaked silversides or krill.

How much and how often do you feed? Fed every second day, enough so that a bulge appeared in its stomach.

How does this fish eat?(grazers, active or sedentary predators, sand sifters, etc) Gulps down food whole.

GROWTH RATE AND LIFE SPAN
What is the initial size of your fish and maximum size it reached? Was 3" grew to 11"

How fast did it grow (how much growth over a given period of time)? Grew extremely fast, from 3" to nearly 10" in the first year then grew mostly in thickness after that.

What size tank did this fish live in? (or how soon did this fish outgrow what size tank)? 120gal

What do you think is the minimum tank size required for an adult specimen of this fish? 120gal although I wish I had a 225gal for it.

If this fish went through body pattern change from juvenile to adult, was the change complete? Yes

How long did it take? Two years I think.

How long have you kept this fish? 4 years

If you no longer have this fish, what was the cause? NA

What is the longest lifespan and the maximum size of this fish in home aquarium and/or in the wild reported? 15"

DISEASE AND TREATMENT
What disease has this fish had? How did you treat it, for how long? My last one died of fin-rot. Removed to QT and treated with Melafix.

What's the effect of the treatment? Died.

BEHAVIOR
Does this fish change body color under any circumstances? Becomes darker at night.

How active is this fish? Slow moving, active 1/4 of the time.

Is this fish shy? Was but not anymore.

How territorial or aggressive is this fish? Not very.

How does this fish interact with tankmates? Leaves others alone.

Did this fish ever jump out of the tank? No.

How does this fish sleep? By sitting on the bottom or on top of the coral/rock in the tank.

Does this fish allow cleaners to clean? NA

If so which cleaner and how often? NA

How does this fish interact with human? Eagerly looks for food when approached in the evenings. Doesnt seem to mind when my hand is in the tank.

Any other interesting observation of this fish? Sheds a slime coat occationally or right after I've been working in the tank for too long.

REPRODUCTION
If you have a mated pair, how did you get them to pair up? NA

Any information of spawning in captivity? NA

SUMMARY
Your overall assessment of this species - 2

How sensitive is this fish to poor water quality on a scale of 1-5?
1 - very tolerant, may survive a cycle in a new tank
2 - quite tolerant, may survive accidental ammonia or nitrite spike
3 - not terribly sensitive to reasonable pH, salinity or temperature changes
4 - sensitive to any significant water chemistry changes, and may show stress during such changes
5 - very sensitive to water quality, may easily get stressed and get sick with any change in water chemistry

Would you recommend this fish to beginners? Yes

Any other recommendations/comments? Buy the large tank first, then the fish because they grow extremely fast.