Facts and Information
The Radiata Lion, often confused with the Annulata Lion, is the only species of lion that lacks markings on the delicate webbing of tissue between the pectoral rays. Also, the long and slender dorsal and pectoral rays are bright white without any other markings. Still not sure how to identify this species? Look for two horizontal white lines on the caudal peduncle, also called the base of the tail. The Annulata lions have reddish brown rings of color around the rays of the dorsal and pectoral fins. Crabs and shrimps are eaten exclusively by the Radiata Lion, which is found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea. They were named lionfish for their stately "mane" or elongate, elaborate fins of the pectoral and dorsal area. All species of lionfish are armed with a venom that`s produced by glands that run the two-thirds the length of the spine. These spines are used solely for defense, of the lionfish`s life and his territory. All thirteen of the dorsal spines are equipped with the venom-producing glands, as are the pectoral and pelvic rays. Handling a lionfish is quite hazardous, alive or other wise. If you happen to get "stung", immediately soak the limb or other affected body part in as hot water as you can stand. The hot water begins to break down the protein-based venom that causes all the pain and damage and lessens the subsequent effects. As soon as possible, seek professional medical attention for further treatment. Lionfish are predators, and gluttonous ones at that. They may even perish to an early demise from being "overfed" with copious amounts of live goldfish. Unfortunately, goldfish are difficult for lions to digest and can pose digestive problems. Shrimps or small crabs are a much better choice and the ghost shrimp commonly available in the aquarium trade easily adapt to the saline conditions of the marine tank. Frozen meaty foods are taken as is freeze-dried krill (a particular favorite). In the wild, lions prey on a variety of animals including fish (small ones like damsels, blennies, gobies, baitfish and the like), shrimp, crabs (yes, crabs, even hermits, with ease!), prawns and whatever else they manage to catch. Mimicking the wild diet is highly endorsed whenever possible. Lionfish are well suited to most fish-only or fish-only with live-rock type aquarium, but be sure not to expose them to intense or overly-bright lighting conditions as they often develop a type of "blindness" with opaque film forming over the eyes as a result of this exposure.
Size - Extra Large
Possible Tankmates - Yellow Tang, Emperor Angelfish, Golden Dogfaced Pufferfish