Page 266 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

264 MARINE FISH DIRECTORY

LIONFISH AND SCORPIONFISH

Beautiful but potentially deadly, the members of this
family are equipped with a painful venom. Their tank
needs to be serviced with great care, because it is
easy to catch a hand on one of their stinging spines.
Transferring fish between tanks also needs to be
carried out with caution. Never be tempted to use
your hand to free a fish that becomes enmeshed in the
material of the net, since this can result in a painful
sting. Make sure you use a net that is large enough
to accommodate the entire fish, and then, having
caught it, invert the net carefully to let the fish
swim out on its own. It will soon free itself, even
if it is initially caught up in the netting.
The colorful, boldly marked Zebra Lionfish (Dendrochirus zebra) can be
recognized by the dark spot at the base of the gill cover.

Rhinopias frondosa Pterois volitans Pterois radiata
Goose Scorpionfish Volitans Lionfish Clearfin Lionfish

ORIGINS Ranges from East Africa across the Pacific to ORIGINS The Pacific region, from the Malay Peninsula to ORIGINS Occurs over a very wide area, from the Red Sea
Indonesia, southern Japan, and the Caroline Islands. Japan, the eastern coast of Australia, and Pitcairn Island. eastward across the Indo-Pacific to Oceania.
SIZE 9 in (23 cm). SIZE 15 in (38 cm). SIZE 8 in (20 cm).
DIET Fish-based foods. DIET All meat-based foods. DIET Fish-based foods.
WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline
(pH 8.0–8.3) with SG 1.021–1.024. (pH 8.0–8.3) with SG 1.021–1.024. (pH 8.0–8.3) with SG 1.021–1.024.
TEMPERAMENT Reasonably compatible with its own kind. TEMPERAMENT Smaller companions will be eaten. TEMPERAMENT Will prey on invertebrates.
Slow-moving by nature, the Volitans Lionfish is The white banding on the tail and the white tips
one of the larger members of its group. It spends to the dorsal and pectoral fins are characteristic of
more time swimming in the middle and upper the Clearfin. If you are stung by any lionfish, put
layers of the tank than related species. The rays your hand in hot water to coagulate the venom,
forming both dorsals fin are separate; the pectoral and pour vinegar on the wound to ease the pain.
fins on either side of the body are partly divided. You should seek prompt medical advice.
Pectoral fins Venom is White-tipped, not
resemble present in mottled, spines
feathers the fins

The color of these fish varies across their range
and can also be influenced by their surroundings.
Predatory by nature, they are not suitable for
keeping with smaller fish or invertebrates. They
ambush their prey, since they are not powerful
swimmers. Like lionfish, their eyes are located
on the top of the head, ensuring good visibility.

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