| Lionfish or volitans are venomous fish belonging to | | | | don't want to mess with me." This fish is also |
| the family Scorpaenidae whose literal translation | | | | marketed under the aquarium trade names |
| means scorpion fish. There are five genera and 16 | | | | turkey fish, dragon fish, scorpion and fire fish. |
| individual species commonly referred to as lionfish. | | | | All lionfish have distinctive fins as well as fin and |
| Their natural habitant is among the reefs and | | | | body striping. Color palettes and size are particular |
| rocky crevices of the Indo-Pacific and the Red | | | | to species. Dwarf lion fish only reach an adult |
| Sea. This species is not native to warmer tropical | | | | length of 5-6 inches and can be kept in an |
| regions of the world. Recently established | | | | aquarium as small as 30 gallons. Other species can |
| populations are present in the Eastern Atlantic, the | | | | grow to in excess of 15 inches and will require a |
| Caribbean and the Mediterranean Seas. | | | | 75-100 gallon tank. These are among the most |
| They are becoming more and more common | | | | poisonous creatures found in the ocean and should |
| place off the Florida coastline. Scientists speculate | | | | only be kept by expert aquarists. |
| that these species were first introduced when a | | | | Lionfish are voracious predators. There are very |
| public aquarium was destroyed in southern Florida | | | | few species in the wild that would even consider |
| by Hurricane Andrew, a Category 5 hurricane in | | | | harassing one more or less attempting to eat it. |
| 1992. DNA analysis from captured fish supports | | | | Strangely enough, their venomous fins are not |
| this theory. All newly established populations | | | | used for the purpose of predation. They rely on |
| originated from the same seven fish. The | | | | their natural camouflaging and split-second reflexes |
| continued non-indigenous prorogation of this | | | | for hunting. Lionfish capture their prey by boxing it |
| species has created concern among ecologists. It | | | | in with their large fins and then swallowing it whole. |
| is yet to be determined what kind of human and | | | | Their venom is used strictly as a means of |
| environmental dangers these creatures will pose in | | | | defense. When threatened the lionfish will lunge at |
| their new breeding grounds. | | | | its opponent with its up to 18 needle-like dorsal |
| The lionfish is inarguably one of the more exotic | | | | spines erect and ready to neutralize the |
| creatures you will ever see in a home aquarium. | | | | aggressor. |
| They are one of the most prized fish in the | | | | Due to its predatory and venomous nature lionfish |
| aquarium trade. There are 11 species from two | | | | are best suited for a mono-species or multiple |
| distinct genera (Pterois and Dendrochris) readily | | | | lionfish species tank. You can keep more than one |
| available to home aquarists. The Dendriochirus | | | | in an aquarium. You will want to take the fish's |
| lionfish's fins form a solid fan with individual fin | | | | current and potential adult size into consideration. |
| rays held together by a connective membrane. | | | | Lionfish have been known to prey on one |
| Pterois lionfish have long flowing fin rays that are | | | | another. |
| individually sheathed by the membrane. | | | | Lion fish are carnivorous. Smaller fish can be fed |
| The fins on a Pterois extend well past their tail. | | | | frozen carnivorous marine food products. They |
| There is one species of lionfish, the Pterois sphex, | | | | will also readily eat brine shrimp. Larger fish should |
| which resides only in the waters off the shorelines | | | | be fed feeder shrimp or small fish. Although not |
| of the Hawaiian Islands. Regardless of the species | | | | generally marketed for consumption, lionfish are |
| everything about these fish, from its regal fanned | | | | considered a culinary delicacy in some regions of |
| main to its cantankerous demeanor, says, "You | | | | the world. |