Lionfish vs dwarf lionfish

[Dustin1231]

Just wondering what you guys think is the better between the two types of fish. I had a volitan lionfish years ago and really enjoyed him, but as i start stock my 120 FOWLR im wondering which might be the better choice. The dwarfs are kinda cute, but the bigger ones are pretty awesome. Lets hear your thoughts.

[FMarini]

its tank dependent-
big lions are spectacular but require big space
dwarfs look great in smaller tanks-and can cohabitate w more common fish since there is less threat of eating them

personal choice really

you might want to read this article about keeping lionfish
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-11/fm/feature/

[namxas]

What Frank sez...

Is your tank a 48" 120 or a 72" 120 (IIRC, the 72" may be a 125)?

There's nothing like an adult volitans...they're simply impressive fish. I'd only keep a single large lion in that tank.

Depending on what you want to keep, you could also go with a couple of mid-size lions (P. antennata, P. mombassae, P. radiata). OR...a M-F-F trio of fuzzies would be great. You could even keep different Dendrochirus sp.

What other fish are you considering? That will help you decide on a lion.

[Dustin1231]

really have no idea what else im going to put in the tank. The wife really like the niger trigger. I know most people don't like the idea of mixing of lions and triggers... I did have it work before. Maybe a puffer, some soft of small tang... still open to ideas

[ashtree68]

Simple solution, like the rest of us just get another tank! Get a nice volitan in the 120 and get a 75 or 90 and put a trio of fuzzies in there. Best of both worlds! :)

But like has been said depends on what else you want to keep, do you want a lot of movement, one or two big fish, or a lot of busy movement?

[aday2remmbr]

id say dwarf, it leaves more room for other fish it you wish to get any. but if you plan on stocking the tank lightly go for a full sized one.

[Dustin1231]

yea... dont really want to do that again. I had 4 running at once. It was fun, but now im too lazy. :beer:

[namxas]

really have no idea what else im going to put in the tank. The wife really like the niger trigger. I know most people don't like the idea of mixing of lions and triggers... I did have it work before. Maybe a puffer, some soft of small tang... still open to ideas

If you want to get the most 'face time' with your lion, I don't recommend any fast-moving or aggressive tankmates. IME, if lions have sufficient swimming room and feel secure, they'll reward you with spending much of their time in the water column,

[Dustin1231]

I just want to have some fish that when i sit on the couch (about 8 feet away) I can sit in the dark of my basement with nothing but the lights on the tank and watch a active and colorful tank while drinking a nice glass of whiskey. lol

What fish would you suggest to add in a tank with a lion that will keep him pretty active?

[Dustin1231]

Simple solution, like the rest of us just get another tank! Get a nice volitan in the 120 and get a 75 or 90 and put a trio of fuzzies in there. Best of both worlds! :)

But like has been said depends on what else you want to keep, do you want a lot of movement, one or two big fish, or a lot of busy movement?

Ive seen a couple photos on here of 3 different dwarf lions in a tank. Looked pretty cool, and they all looked like they interacted together.

I guess im looking for more of a active tank

[aday2remmbr]

is it a reef tank? if not you could add a large angelfish.

[namxas]

is it a reef tank? if not you could add a large angelfish.

That would be in lieu of a lionfish tho. Large angels and lions don't mix well.

[Dustin1231]

It will not be a reef tank... Like i said, im pretty lazy anymore... Just fish with life rock.

[aday2remmbr]

That would be in lieu of a lionfish tho. Large angels and lions don't mix well.

i have never had problems with lions and angels, i have had many predatory tanks mixing tangs, angels, lions, triggers, puffers and many other sorts of fish.

[namxas]

Neither have I, but that was 20 years ago before anyone knew any better, and I wouldn't tempt fate again. Unfortunately, the problems seem to be the rule rather than the exception.