The Types
RUSSELL'S LIONFISH
Native to the continents of Africa and Asia, the Russell's lionfish is one of the bigger ones with an average size of over a foot in length. It is also one of the lighter colored specimens of the lionfish species. Relative to their size you would think they need a huge tank to please them, but 70 gallons should suffice. One problem is, like all lionfish, they can be aggressive towards tank mates and other lionfish and should be kept only with larger fish. Any fish that it can fit in its mouth is lunch, and with this particularly large species, any fish that's shorter than 3 and a half to 4 inches should probably be kept away from this fish. In addition to their semi-aggressive nature, they have poisonous spines on their fins. No, the venom isn't lethal to humans, but it will put you in a good deal of pain. It's recommended that you run very hot, but not scalding hot, (100 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit) water over the area that was stung and that should help with the pain. And although this helps, you may be in pain for over an hour until it wears off. The poison is lethal to some fish though, and this fish should be monitored as much as possible around tank mates that may prove to be a threat to this lionfish. Since all lionfish are carnivorous, they do prefer live food like brine shrimp for example. Yet, lionfish are known to have issues with switching to frozen food. It's not impossible, but they may go on a hunger strike because they can be stubborn. Lionfish like to sneak up behind their prey before they pounce on them. Therefore, if it isn't moving, they normally aren't interested. Don't let that scare you though, these fish are a hardy kind and can live peacefully in any aquarium if well fed and monitored. Just be careful when sticking your hand in the tank.
FUZZY DWARF LIONFISH
One of the dwarf lions, this fish is native to the Indo-Pacific ocean and is relatively small compared to other lionfish. It can grow to around 7", and if you're looking into keeping a lionfish, but don't want a Goliath, this could be the choice for you. Like all lionfish though, it is venomous and should be monitored around other fish. But unlike the other lions, dwarf lions obviously have a smaller mouth at full size. So, smaller fish can be kept with dwarfs rather than others. They also don't need a ton of swimming space and can be kept in a 50 gallon tank or larger. A unique trait of the dwarf fuzzy lionfish is that they can actually recognize and respond to their owners presence, making them the star of the tank when you show up. A drawback though is they are hard to switch to frozen food like other lionfish and can be stubborn. Just have patience.
VOLITAN LIONFISH, RED
The biggest lionfish of them all, the Volitan can get up to approximately 15" and comes in two different shades: Red(on the left) and Black (underneath to the right). To accommodate their large size as adults, one Volitan would need at least 120 gallons. They are venomous and predatory, in fact, with this being the largest lion, tiny fish should not be kept with this guy. If you are planning on getting crustaceans and shrimp to add to your tank as well, I wouldn't consider getting this fish, as it will eat them the first chance it gets. They are native to Africa, the Caribbean, Indonesia, Sumatra, and Vanuatu and prefer to have a lot of hiding places. But yes, they will come out of hiding once they are comfortable in their new environment. A live rock only tank with an eel or two and this lion would be a good idea for a predatory tank.
DWARF ZEBRA LIONFISH
Another dwarf lion, the Dwarf Zebra Lionfish is native to the waters of southern and eastern Asia and Vanuatu. And like the Fuzzy Dwarf Lion this fish gets up to 7", making it good choice for people who don't want a huge lion in their tank. Each lion in your tank will need about 50 gallons and should be provided with many hiding places to get accustomed to the new environment. Live food is always preferred, but with patience, can be switched to frozen foods. And keep in mind, even though the dwarf lions are smaller, they still pack a powerful sting. So watch out for the lion when you put your hand in the tank.
FU MANCHU LIONFISH
By far the smallest lionfish, reaching a length of only 4", the Fu Manchu Lionfish is native to Indonesia and Tahiti. So if you have adequately small fish and still want to keep a lion, a Fu Manchu could be the answers to your prayers. Other than the size of this unique lion, what also makes it special is its two feeler-like limbs sticking out on it's chin. This fish is also not as porcupine looking in a sense, compared to its relatives that possess many quills. This being said does not mean they cannot sting though. They are still venomous on their top spines and should be watched. 30 gallons or more for each lion should do just fine, and don't forget the hiding spots. Keep this fish fed
(live or switch to frozen if needed) and with the proper environment conditions and it will be a happy addition to almost any tank.
(live or switch to frozen if needed) and with the proper environment conditions and it will be a happy addition to almost any tank.
MOMBASA LIONFISH
Native to Indonesia and the Maldives, but a very popular marine fish all over the pet trade, the Mombasa Lionfish is one of the smaller lions ranging from 6 to 6.5". This smaller lion requires a dimly-lit 50 gallon tank or more due to the fact that these fish are deep water swimmers in the wild. With all lions, never pick this fish up by just your hands, whether you're wearing heavy duty gloves or not. You should never use just your hands to pick a fish up out of the water. Use your heavy duty gloves when cleaning the tank or re-arranging decor, as they are venomous. In fact, nets and lionfish aren't a good combination either. Their fins could get stuck in the netting and potentially rip. A preferred set-up for this fish would be one with live rock and adequate swimming space for its fan like fins to spread out. Feeding live food first, and then gradually giving your fish frozen so it gets accustomed to it is recommended, but not required.
RADIATA LIONFISH
Also known as the clearfin lionfish, this fish can grow to about 10". This makes it the average length lion compared to the dwarfs and the lions getting up to over a foot in length. In the wild, this beautiful fish swims in the bodies of water in and along Africa, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Tahiti. Compared to other lions, this fish is said to be harder to keep, but it honestly it all depends on your fish. They are similar to other lions in the sense that they prefer live food and can be stubborn when switching to frozen foods. And they are venomous as always. A 70 gallon tank with many hiding places will be suitable for this guy to feel at home in the tank, just make sure to keep caution when this lion is swimming with other fish.
ANTENNATA LIONFISH
Reaching up to 7" in length, the Antennata Lionfish (also known as the Spotfin Lionfish) is native to Africa, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. A good size 50 gallon aquarium or larger with many hiding places should be fine. Keep in mind though, this lion is an eating. Make sure to have lots of ghost shrimp on hand to feed this guy. Be sure to keep watch of this fish too, as all lionfish are venomous and should be watched around small fish that could fit in its mouth. It could either poison the fish, and potentially kill it, if it feels threatened or it eat it. Other than that, lions are usually very calm and peaceful in home aquariums.