Lionfish – Antennata

Antennata Lionfish Care Tips:

Minimum Tank Size: 100 Gallons

Max Size: Up to 37.5cm (1’3″)

Diet: Carnivore

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Lifespan: Up to 15 years

Scientific Name: Pterois Antennata

Other Names:   Ragged-finned Firefish, Spotfin Lionfish

Coral Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes with caution (May go after shrimp)

Approx. Purchase Size: 1 -2 inches

The antennata lionfish, scientific name Pterois Antennata is a semi-aggressive fish. Their minimum tank size is 100 gallons. Antennata lionfish can grow up to 1’3” and can live up to 15 years. Antennata lionfish never reach full size in captivity. Antennata lionfish are carnivores and should be fed frozen foods such as mysis. They can also be fed small pieces of raw seafood such as squid or silversides. Lionfish eat other small fish in the wild so getting them to eat frozen can take time and patience. In the wild adult lionfish can eat up to 100 small fish per day.Having them in a tank with other fish can help them learn how to eat frozen. Monkey see, monkey do. Lionfish can go weeks without eating so if they wont take food one day, try again later or the following day. Antennata lionfish can be kept singly, in pairs or in groups as long as they are similar size. Lionfish will not bother coral or invertebrates for the most part but they will prey upon shrimp. Lionfish will eat smaller more peaceful fish and should be housed with large semi-aggressive to aggressive tank mates. Antennata lionfish are also referred to as the ragged-finned firefish or the spotfin lionfish. Lionfish have venomous dorsal fins, caution should be taken when moving lionfish and when working in the tank.