Lionfish

by Amy Tokic

Published: January 29th, 2014

About Lionfish

Group

Saltwater

Temperament

Aggressive

Aquarium Size

Large (50 gal)

Fish Water Condition

Difficulty Of Care

Weekly care

Size

Large

Swimming Region

All

Suitable Tank Mates

Large Angelfish, Boxfish, Rabbitfish, Puffers and Tangs

Lionfish General description

Lionfish are a species of saltwater fish belonging to the scorpionfish family. They are characterized by their bright colorations, long flowing fins and venomous tentacles that form a protective fan around the fish. Lionfishes are regarded as one of the most majestic looking species of fish in the modern aquarium hobby. They are also incredibly hardy and disease resistant, and make great choices for intermediate and experienced aquarists.

Lionfish are a species of saltwater fish belonging to the scorpionfish family.

Origins

Lionfishes originate in the tropical reefs of the Indo-Pacific, South Pacific, Red Sea and the Sea of Japan.

Color

Lionfishes are characterized by their warning colorations consisting of red, yellow, white, creamy, brown or black bands.

Maintenance and care

Despite their ornate appearance, lionfish are actually one of the easier species of saltwater fish to keep in the aquarium. They are very hardy and incredibly disease resistant, and given the right conditions can thrive for many years in captivity. Various lionfish species vary in size from a 2 -18 inches in length, and should be housed in appropriately sized aquariums. Lionfish are a sedentary species and require aquariums with a great deal of rockwork, caves and crevices to hide in. They are also a nocturnal species and will spend most of the daytime hidden in caves or lounging amongst the rock work. Although lionfish aren’t great swimmers, they should also be provided with fairly large open swimming spaces.

Lionfishes are generally a peaceful species of fish. However, they are a predatory species and should not be housed with species of fish that are smaller in size that they are. Several lionfishes can be kept in the same aquarium provided that they have enough space for each fish to establish its own territory.

Care should be taken when handling lionfishes as the sting from their venomous tentacles, while not lethal, can be extremely painful to humans.

Despite their ornate appearance, lionfishes are actually one of the easier species of saltwater fish to keep in the aquarium.

Feeding

Lionfish are carnivores and should be fed on a meaty diet of fish, shrimp, squid and other crustaceans. When first introduced to the aquarium they can be picky eaters and should be enticed with live foods such as fiddler crabs, ghost shrimp and brine shrimp.

Breeding

Although there are a few reports of lionfish spawning successfully in captivity, there is no information regarding the task of raising the fry to adulthood.

Aquarium varieties

Volitan Lionfishes, Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfishes, Dwarf Lionfishes, Radiata Lionfishes, Russell’s Lionfishes, Mombasa Lionfishes, etc.

Photo credit: The High Fin Sperm Whale/Wikimedia; Jens Petersen/Wikimedia

Amy Tokic

Amy Tokic, Editor of PetGuide.com, is a passionate animal lover and proud pet parent of Oscar, a Shih Tzu/Chihuahua cross, and Zed, a Japanese Chin. Her love of animals began in kindergarten, when she brought her stuffed dog Snoopy into class with her every day. Now, she writes about her adventures in pet ownership and tirelessly researches products, news and health related issues she can share with other animal enthusiasts. In her free time, Amy loves perusing used book and record stores, obsessing over the latest pet products available and chasing squirrels with wild abandon (a habit attributed to spending too much time with her pooches).

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Risky Business: Four Types of Dangerous Aquarium Fish

Swimming in the shallow end isn’t for everyone. Some people like their fish to have a bit of bite! Check out these four types of dangerous aquarium fish if you want to swim on the wild side. If you like to live life on the edge, and prefer to think outside of the box when it comes to aquariums, it may appeal to you to add an element of danger to your tank. We’ve picked out four ferocious fish you may want to tangle with (but you wouldn’t want to meet them in a dark alley). They have qualities that make them dangerous, either to humans or to other aquatic life, and if you’re a thrill-seeker, they’d be a perfect fit for your aquarium! Lionfish These saltwater fish can grow to 12 inches. Lionfish are equipped with spines that they use to take down prey and predators, and even humans. There are several types of lionfish; however, the most sought-after type for aquariums is the Red Lionfish. A sting from a lionfish is venomous, but is not usually fatal to humans. It can cause symptoms such as headaches and nausea, and of course, pain. Related: 5 Fish Questions You Always Wanted to Ask Pufferfish If you’ve ever seen the face of a puffer fish, especially the cartoon variety, your initial reaction may have been “Awww!” But don’t let their round puppy-dog eyes and puckered lips fool you; these fish are poisonous and can be deadly. Puffer fish use air to expand their bodies when stressed, and their skin has prickly spines that contain tetrodotoxin, which is extremely poisonous to humans. There is currently no known antidote, so use extreme caution when in close proximity to these fish. Also, take care when choosing tank mates for them, as any fish likely to try to attempt to eat a puffer will die. Piranha No list of dangerous fish would be complete without the most famous carnivorous fish, the Piranha. However, this one is not as aggressive as media has led us to believe (seriously, have you seen the movie “Piranha 3D” – yeah, they’re not really like that). Related: 4 Annoying Pests Found in Your Freshwater Aquarium These guys do have some sharp teeth and can bite, but are not likely to attack a larger predator or an aquarist’s hands if given the chance. They are much more likely to prey on a carcass in the wild, and actually eat a pretty varied diet consisting of meats and vegetable matter. Keep in mind that although they would prefer not to attack you, they can and will, if they feel threatened. It’s important to remember that they do they have incredible force behind those jaws and can bite a finger clean off. Stonefish The stonefish is the most poisonous fish known to man. The stonefish is a saltwater fish that possesses 13 spines on their back and can bury themselves into the sand. In the wild, people risk stepping on them and getting stung, and if this happens, immediate medical attention is required. Despite their deadly qualities, people still seek to keep these fish in home aquariums. They grow to sizes of up to 16 inches. Even though they’re not the most attractive fish in the sea, the novelty of owning such a dangerous fish keeps them in high demand, and they are also consumed in some parts of the world.

Hawkfish

Hawkfish General description Hawkfish are species of saltwater fish closely related to the lionfish. They are characterized by their large heads and somewhat elongated, thick bodies. Most species come in vibrant colorations and this, along with their hardy nature and ease of adapting to life in captivity, have made them a popular choice among most marine aquarists. Hawkfishes are species of saltwater fish closely related to the lionfish Origins Hawkfish originate in the tropical coral reefs of the Western and Eastern Atlantic Ocean as well as the Indo-Pacific Ocean. Color Hawkfishes are a vibrantly colored species of fish and comes in shades of red, yellow, orange, brown and black. Maintenance and care

Guide Dog Trigger Retires After Fathering Over 300 Puppies

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Guinness World Records Reviews Bobi’s 'World's Oldest Dog' Title

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Wish Your Dog Could Understand You? New Study Says They Can!

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After 11 Long Years, a Cat That Was Presumed Dead Returns Home

Sometimes, miracles can truly happen when you least expect it! And if a pet story can be considered a real life miracle, it’s the one about Toby, a family cat that - it would seem - lived a life of great adventure. In 2012, Toby, the now 14-year-old cat of the Allan family from Warwickshire, suddenly disappeared after the family moved to a new house. It was a heartbreaking event for the entire family, but their pet was nowhere to be found. After many attempts to locate their cat, they simply had to come to terms with the fact that old Toby was lost, and presumably dead. But this week, after 11 long years, Toby was returned to the Allan family by a local woman. The lady checked the cat’s microchip and was quick to get in touch with Coventry Cats Protection."I never thought in a million years I’d see him again," said owner Justine Allan. "Toby was collected and will no longer have to scavenge for food and sleep in a cold bin store," added the Coventry charity co-ordinator Wendy Harris.Toby suddenly went missing in a chilly December in 2012, after the Allan family moved from Galley Common in Nuneaton, to their new residence at Long Shoot."[My son Charlie] was about 12 when Toby went missing, and he was heartbroken when we realized he probably wasn’t coming back," said Mrs Allan for  Yahoo "The Long Shoot is a notoriously busy road, we just assumed the worst had happened and thought he had been run over.”But almost a decade later, just 5 miles away a local Bedworth lady got in touch with Cats Protection, believing that a stray cat she was feeding was pregnant. A volunteer with the charity went out to investigate, a microchip scanner in tow. "It turned out, not only did it have a chip, but that he was a neutered male named Toby, rather than female as originally believed," said Ms. Harris.Blazingly fast, the charity managed to trace the details of the Allan family on their database, and got in touch to share the splendid news – their missing feline friend was re-discovered!Initially in complete shock, after 11 years, the Allan family rejoiced and celebrated and quickly went out to pick up their long-lost pet. During those 11 years, the family welcomed another pet into their home, a King Charles Cavalier named Bernie. But even so, Toby fits right back into the family dynamic. As if he wasn’t missing for more than a decade!

What Are the Benefits of Dog Massage?

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A Former Elvis Impersonator Adopts Elvis, the Dog Who No One Wanted

Elvis, the only dog who didn’t get adopted at Anti Cruelty’s Fall in Love adoption event, finally found a forever home with an owner who used to work as an Elvis Presley impersonator. A three-year-old pit bull terrier mix was the only pooch out of 22 dogs and 39 cats who didn’t find a forever home at the November 11 adoption event. After the event, Elvis had to be sent back to his kennel which served as his home for around four months.Shortly after the event, the shelter took to social media to ask for help finding this handsome boy a forever home. The post that has gone viral said: “Elvis is the only dog that didn’t find a home during our Fall in Love adoption event. He met a lot of potential adopters but sadly did not get adopted. Help us find Elvis a family to love!”In the post, the shelter described Elvis as a “three-year-old meatball” with “the silliest personality.”“His giant smile lights up every room he enters. Elvis is a snuggler, so he hopes you’re okay giving up your personal space.”Elvis arrived at the shelter as an injured stray dog. Since the pooch didn’t put weight on his hind leg, the shelter took X-rays which showed a fractured pelvis. Although the fracture healed completely during his stay at the shelter, Elvis might be prone to arthritis in the future. A few days later this handsome boy found his forever home! And this is where things get really interesting. The couple who adopted the cute pup has a special connection to him - one of them used to be an Elvis Presley impersonator.Loren Agron, one of the pup’s new dads, worked as an Elvis-impersonating waiter at Ed Debevic’s, a 1950s-themed diner where staff entertained customers with choreographed dance routines. Agron dressed up as Elvis Presley and called himself Elvis Parsley.“I wore a black cowboy shirt and quintessential giant Elvis sunglasses, I had long sideburns and my hair was all pumped up and slicked back,” Agron told The Washington Post.“Elvis has always been a big part of my life because I’ve always loved music from that era,” he added.First, Agron went to the shelter to meet Elvis alone, and then he came back with his partner, Drew Wilhelm. “While we were sitting in the waiting room to meet him, I felt like a father waiting for his newborn son to arrive,” said Wilhelm. “As soon as I saw him, I knew that was our dog,” he added. “He couldn’t stop jumping on us, he was so excited we were there to see him.”The couple adopted Elvis that day and took him to his forever home.  “Elvis has left the building,” the shelter wrote alongside a photo of the happy family. “His adopters have been waiting for the right time to welcome a dog into their family, and once they saw Elvis on the news, they couldn’t deny that it was fate.”The couple plans to keep the handsome pup’s legendary name and smitten with their new four-legged companion. “The couple is head over heels in love with their new family member and already has a dog bed and tons of toys waiting for him at his forever home,” the shelter wrote in a post. “Loren is a dedicated ACS supporter and has hosted many of the ACS’s fundraising events at Chicago’s fabulous drag queen, Debbie Fox. We couldn’t be happier for Elvis who finally got his happily ever after!”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Pet Obesity Study Shows Promise and Surprising Links With Humans

If you thought that your chubby doggo is incredibly cute, you might want to consider what’s hiding behind that adorable exterior.  Pet obesity is a real thing, and it is a major health hazard that many dogs experience in their lifetime. And, sadly, a lot of it is connected to improper care and diet. To show us just how big of a problem it has become, the latest study from the  Association for Pet Obesity Prevention revealed that in the U.S. alone, around 59% of dogs and 61% of cats were overweight or obese! However, recently conducted research shows that there might be a way to battle the obesity pandemic – with certain strains of probiotics that can help curb pet obesity, especially when dogs are in question. A research team from Seoul National University's Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Science, conducted a study investigating the effects of probiotics on canine obesity. They discovered two strains that appeared to have weight-reducing properties in obese dogs. To assess the probiotic potential of these strains, the researchers employed a lifespan analysis using Caenorhabditis elegans, a genetic model known for its simplicity in genetic manipulation and shorter lifespan compared to other animal models. Their findings were detailed in a  paper published in the Microbiology Spectrum journal.Thanks to the positive outcome of this research, a new hope was discovered for doggos struggling with excess weight. The use of Caenorhabditis Elegans offers “interventions aimed at enhancing metabolic health in various mammals”, according to the research team. What is more, the effects could be applied to cats, humans, and other mammals, since C. Elegans “serves as a human homolog model”. In general, this whole study could prove to be beneficial to several animal species, as well as humans, making its significance multifold. However, the exact way that bacteria affects weight is not entirely understood. Even though some studies show that certain strains will slow weight gain, researchers were still unable to find a connection between bacteria and weight.Nevertheless, the study is proving to be a major leap forward when pet obesity is considered. There is plenty of potential in this study, and further efforts could change the way dog obesity is experienced – or possibly even root it out for good! 

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Cats communicate with each other and their humans in a variety of ways through vocalizations and body language. While you may be able to figure out what your cat is saying when they meow or hiss, you might be at a loss for an explanation when you see them chatter for the first time, especially if you’ve never seen cats do this before.What does it mean when cats chatter? Check out the information below to learn all about it so you’ll be able to figure out what your kitty is thinking and feeling the next time you see them exhibit this odd behavior.What Is Chattering in Cats?Chattering usually happens when a kitty sees something that they want to get their paws on. Many times, they’ll be looking out the window when a prey animal, like a chipmunk or bird, comes into view. Or, if your kitty spends time in a catio or outdoor enclosure, they might start chattering when they see small wildlife. As soon as your cat sees their intended prey, they may be ready to go on the hunt, and might express this feeling by chattering.This behavior doesn’t only happen when your kitty sees wildlife, though. It can also happen when you’re using a toy to play with them. The movement of the toy can get them excited and ready to pounce on their “prey,” and they might chatter as a result.Once you know what cat chattering looks like, you’ll be able to recognize it right away. But if you’ve never seen it before, it can be described simply as your cat making quick movements with their jaw, showing their teeth while staring intently at their target. Sometimes, no sounds will come out, but other times, they’ll make chirping sounds or even little meows. Some people even describe chattering as “ekekek”.To see what it looks like, here’s a compilation of cats chattering:

Why Does My Cat Have a Bald Spot?

Discovering a bald spot or missing fur on your cat can be both perplexing and concerning for any cat parent. A change in your cat’s coat could be nothing, but it could also be a red flag of behavioral issues or medical problems. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step to addressing the problem.In this post, we explore the mystery of cat alopecia, including possible explanations for cat hair loss, what you should do if you notice your cat has a bald spot, and how to prevent this problem from happening.Let’s get started…6 Reasons Your Cat May Have a Bald SpotThe first step to addressing your cat’s hair loss is to identify why it occurred. This will mean paying careful attention to other signs and symptoms, both physical and behavioral. Here are a few of the most common causes of significant hair loss in cats:Allergies and IrritationDoes your cat suffer from food allergies or environmental allergies? While most allergies won’t directly cause your cat’s hair to fall out, they trigger dry, itchy skin. As your cat scratches the area, trying to soothe the itch, they may damage the skin or hair follicles.Identifying the allergens can be difficult. You may wish to do allergy testing or try an elimination diet. But the good news is that once you know the trigger, eliminating it will solve the problem.OvergroomingCats are well-known for their careful attention to their grooming needs, licking themselves to keep their fur clean and shiny. However, there are some behavioral situations when a cat may start grooming excessively, causing damage to their coat or their skin, resulting in bald patches.The most common causes of overgrooming are stress and anxiety. Take a moment to reconsider your household and any recent changes that may have occurred. Did you move? Are you renovating your home? Did you add a new pet or family member to the household?Another potential behavioral explanation for overgrooming is obsessive-compulsive disorder. This may have started as stress or anxiety, or it may be genetic. OCD in cats could result from neurological conditions or other medical problems.

Lost Tortoise Found After 3 Years

A story about a lost tortoise in Florida proves that reunions can happen even years after losing a pet, and that social media can play a huge role in reconnecting people with their lost pets.

Vet School Aims to Dispel Misinformation About Mysterious Illness

News about a mysterious illness has been making dog parents across the country nervous as they seek out available information. While there have been reported advances made in understanding the cause of the illness, many of the details are still vague, and a lot of “data” being shared by the mainstream media seems to be contradicting. How do you know what to believe?To help clarify the sea of information, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine has published an educational hub on their website with information about the illness, Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (aCIRDC).This hub is divided into several categories: Prevalence, Clinical Signs, Pathogenesis, Screening, Treatment, Prevention, Travel, and News. The goal is to share reliable and actionable information for pet parents that will help them make smart, knowledge-driven decisions about their pet’s health, especially as we head into a busy time of travel during the holiday season.Reported Cases of IllnessAccording to the hub, there are currently reported cases of “a chronic respiratory disease with characteristics of aCIRDC” in 16 different states, including:CaliforniaColoradoFloridaGeorgiaIdahoIllinoisIndianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsNew HampshireNevadaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandVermontWashingtonOne of the most important things to note is the wording used by LSU Vet Med. This list is based on reported respiratory illnesses that have characteristics of the mystery illness, but it does not mean that the disease itself has been confirmed. Many respiratory infections and ailments present with very similar symptoms, including Canine Influenza and Bordatella.How to Prevent Illness in Your Dog This Holiday SeasonWhile there is no guarantee that the above states pose a higher risk of aCIRDC, veterinarians and other professionals recommend that pet parents take precautions to keep their pets safe. This is especially important as many of us plan to travel and visit family for the holidays. The following recommendations (as outlined by LSU Vet Med) will help to prevent your dog(s) from getting sick from any respiratory ailment, not just aCIRDC.Ensure Vaccinations are Up to DateWe currently don’t have enough understanding of aCIRDC for a preventative vaccination, but there are vaccinations for some respiratory illnesses. Check with your veterinarian that your dog is current on all routine vaccinations.Limit Exposure (Where Possible)If possible, avoid or limit bringing your dog to areas that put them at a higher risk of contracting a respiratory illness. This includes dog parks or shelter environments. Have a conversation with boarding and training facilities where dogs socialize to better understand their preventative measures, including cleaning and sanitization efforts. You should also ask about the vaccine requirements for dogs in their care and their plan for handling animals that show signs of being ill.Isolate Dogs with Signs of IllnessIs your dog showing signs that they may be ill? If so, isolation is critical. Don’t bring a potentially sick dog to public spaces, and do your best to keep them safely isolated from any other unaffected dogs in your home.

Pet Safety Tips for the Holiday Season

The holiday season is here, and you’re probably excited about everything that this festive time of year has to offer. But even though you might be focused on being with the people you love, eating delicious food, and sharing gifts, it’s important to also consider the effects the holidays can have on your pets.To help you enjoy a safe and happy holiday season with your furbabies, here’s a list of holiday safety tips for pets.

After 5 Long Years, a Lost Senior Dog is Reunited With His Owner

It seems that year is off to a good start in Sharonville, Ohio, where a true miracle happened for a hopeful pawrent. A Butler County woman named Hannah experienced immense relief and happiness after she was reunited with her long-lost doggo, at the annual My Furry Valentine adoption event in Sharonville. Will, Hannah’s wonderful Golden Retriever buddy had been missing for five years, after he wandered away from home in October 2019. Devastated, Hannah and her family searched for days and weeks for Will, but without success. In the end, fearing the worst, they had to let go of their wavering hopes.But incredibly, much to their amazement, their hopes were rekindled. They spotted a stray dog photo posted out of Clermont County – the resemblance to Will was uncanny. Hannah quickly sent a Facebook message to the nonprofit Clear the Clermont County Animal Shelter, inquiring about the dog - apparently named Rome. After a brief explanation, she said she believed it was none other than her beloved Will. 

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