Volitan Lionfish

Pterois volitans

(1)

Share Your Photos

Add your photos to help others

Suggested Tank

120+ gallons

Max Size

15 inches

Difficulty

Medium

Temperament

Semi-Aggressive

Description

A large, showy scorpionfish with red-to-burgundy, white, and brown vertical banding, huge fan-like pectoral fins, and tall banded dorsal spines that carry potent venom. It is a slow-moving ambush predator that ignores corals entirely but will inhale any fish or crustacean it can fit in its cavernous mouth, so tankmates must be equal-sized or larger and shrimp/small crabs are off the menu. Give it a wide, deep tank with caves and overhangs, strong filtration and skimming to handle its messy meaty diet, and expect to wean it off live feeders onto silversides, squid, and raw shrimp; handle with extreme care during maintenance.

Reef Safe

With caution

Environment

The Volitan Lionfish prefers a rocky environment with plenty of hiding places. It is a saltwater species and requires a well-maintained aquarium with stable water conditions.

Behavior

The Volitan Lionfish is a solitary species that tends to be nocturnal. It is not particularly active, often seen hiding among the rocks and corals during the day. Despite its venomous spines, it is generally not aggressive towards other species unless threatened.

Information might not be complete or accurate. Help the community by suggesting corrections.

Owner Reviews

Overall Rating:
Would Buy Again: 👍 Yes
What You Feed: Live Ghost Shrimp, Frozen Brine Shrimp, Krill

Never really bothered other fish, very slow eaters as they stalk their pray, live food is recommended. Gorgeous fish.

Reef Safe: Yes, with Caution
Visibility: Moderate Visibility
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Difficulty: Medium
Min Tank Size: 180 Gallons

Volitan Lionfish in the Community

Questions, photos and advice about Volitan Lionfish from ReefBay members

Write a Review

Volitan Lionfish

Pterois volitans

Rating is required
Please select whether you would buy again
Review is required

Suggest an Edit

©ReefBay 2026
|
Developed by Billy Voitik

Join The Community

Create an account to contribute to the community

Or continue with
Sign in with Apple
Or continue with
Sign in with Apple

Prefer our mobile app?

QR Code

Scan to download the app

Download ReefBay

Scan the QR code with your phone to download the app

Download ReefBay QR Code

Available on iOS and Android