Lionfish – Peacock (Red)

Red Peacock Lionfish Care Tips:

Minimum Tank Size:  100 Gallons

Max Size: Up to 50cm (1′ 3″)

Diet: Omnivore

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Lifespan: Up to 10 years

Scientific Name: Pterois Volitans

Coral Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes with caution (Will eat shrimp)

Approx. Purchase Size:  Small: 3-4 inches  Medium: 5 -6 inches

The red peacock lionfish, scientific name Pterois Volitans is a semi-aggressive fish. Their minimum tank size is 100 gallons. Peacock lionfish can grow up to 1’3” and can live up to 10 years. Lionfish never reach full size in captivity. Red peacock lionfish are carnivores and should be fed frozen foods such as mysis. They can also be fed small pieces of raw seafood such as pieces of 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. Red peacock 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. Lionfish have venomous dorsal fins, caution should be taken when moving lionfish and when working in the tank.