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Marine   Fishes

Clearfin lionfish
(Pterois radiata)

Clearfin lionfish

Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)

Names

Scientific name
Pterois radiata

Common name
Clearfin lionfish
Radial firefish
Clearfin turkeyfish
Spotfin lionfish
Tailbar lionfish
Whitelined lionfish
Radial firefish
Strahlen-Feuerfisch (DE)

Origin

what are its countries of origin?

Origin: Indian Ocean and South Pacific, Red Sea
Natural habitat: it lives close in the coral reef zones, up to 30 meters deep

Dimorphism

what are the physical differences between males and females?

Not apparent

Group

Group

Scorpaenidae

Volume

what is the minimum volume for this species?

600 L / 500 Imp gal / 720 US gal

Parameters

what are the water parameters for the maintenance of this fish?

T°: 23 à 26°C or 73 to 79°F
pH: 8.1 to 8.5
Density: 1021 to 1026

Difficulty

Difficulty

Average

Size

what is the maximum size of this fish?

20 to 24 cm (8 to 10")

Longevity

what is the average life expectancy of this fish?

15 to 20 years

Living zone

in which area of the aquarium does this fish live?

Depth

Individuals

sociability of the species

1

Food

How to feed the Clearfin lionfish?

Food

How to feed the Clearfin lionfish?

This pterois is strictly carnivorous. You can feed it with fish, shrimps, crabs and mussels. Note that during acclimatization, this fish refuses to feed. Stimulate it by offering it live prey and then gently pass it over frozen food. Some individuals also accept dry food (granules, flakes...).

Behavior

What kind of behavior does the Clearfin lionfish have?

Behavior

What kind of behavior does the Clearfin lionfish have?

This fish is quite placid during the day (it sometimes rests upside down!) and goes out hunting at night. In the evening, it swims peacefully along the scenery. In spite of this appearance a little bit sloppy, it is a formidable predator.

Cohabitation

Who can live with the Clearfin lionfish?

Cohabitation

Who can live with the Clearfin lionfish?

The Pterois radiata is not to be put with just anyone. Indeed, it is a formidable hunter and a very good predator, which limits the presence of small fish and crustaceans in its presence. On the other hand, large species of angelfish or triggerfish coexist without difficulty with the Pterois.

You can keep it alone or in a group: it all depends on the available volume (1 fish for 200 L / 44 Imp Gal / 53 US Gal).

Breeding

How to breed the Clearfin lionfish?

Breeding

How to breed the Clearfin lionfish?

No known breeding protocol in captivity.

Its aquarium

Which aquarium for the Clearfin lionfish?

Its aquarium

Which aquarium for the Clearfin lionfish?

It is already necessary to plan an aquarium big enough for this beautiful fish. A minimum of 600 liters is required. As for the density of the specimens, count 1 fish for 200 L / 44 Imp Gal / 53 US Gal.

Considering its size, this fish pollutes the water rather quickly. A powerful filtration is therefore necessary to maintain a good water quality. Also for the mixing, it must be powerful which will come close to the natural living conditions of this fish (use several mixing pumps if possible).

As for the decor, a reef aquarium made of rocks and invertebrates will be ideal. Cover the bottom of the aquarium with sand and make a rocky scree leaving hiding places and caves.

Good To know

Find all additional information!

Good To know

Find all additional information!

The Pterois radiata is robust and easy to maintain, but it is not suitable for a beginner in aquarium keeping. Indeed, one must be very careful with this venomous species because it can inflict a painful sting thanks to the rigid rays of its dorsal fin. A strong inflammation of the affected area is also to be reported. This is why it is necessary to take it into account for all maintenance or care operations. For example, it will be wiser to use a bucket rather than a net to catch your fish.

Because of its dangerousness, the possession of Pterois radiata requires a Certificate of Farming Capacity (FRANCE).

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