Volitan Lionfish

Color varieties: 

Size: up to 15 inches

Gender: 

There is no visible difference between the male and female Lionfish. Lionfish are haremic, which implies that one male will spawn with a collection of females.

Aquarium maintenance

Lifespan: up to 15 years

Temperature: 74 - 79°F

pH balance: 8.1 - 8.4

Aquarium specifications: 

The Volitan Lionfish should be housed in at least a 75-gallon aquarium with numerous hiding places. They grow to more than 12 inches and even though they are not very active, they need space to move, places to hide and feel protected, and large volumes of water to provide adequate oxygen and dilution of waste.

Water quality and filtration are extremely important when housing the Volitan Lionfish. Large filter systems, protein skimmers, and large water changes help to keep ammonia and nitrites low. The water quality of the tank quickly degrades for Lionfish with overcrowding and inadequate filtration.

Water hardness: 55 - 120 mg/L

Behavior

Temperament: 

The Volitan Lionfish is the largest Lionfish. They are easy to maintain and among the hardiest of all marine fish. The Volitan Lionfish rests during the brightest hours of the day with its head down and is practically immobile. Many people mistake it to be dead in this pose. It hides in unexposed places during the daytime.

This fish is more active at night, especially in its natural environment where it hunts small fishes, shrimps, and crabs, using its widespread pectorals to trap prey into a corner, stun it, and then swallow it in one sweep. It may eat smaller fish, shrimp, and other crustaceans in the tank.

Volitans are sociable and peaceful and can live in a community which includes other fish, provided its neighbors are not small enough to eat. They are best kept with other large aggressive fish.

The Volitan Lionfish are not generally territorial and peacefully co-exist with their own kind and other Lionfish species. Triggers, Puffers and large Angels are a threat to the Lionfish because they tend to nip the Lionfish. Damsels, Cardinals, Clownfish, shrimps, and other non-attached inverts, however, may be eaten by Lionfish.

There is a possibility that the Lionfish may sting its tankmates with their long spines in the crowded confines of an aquarium. Owners too must never take their eyes off these fishes when performing routine maintenance like scraping algae. These fish can sneak up on what they perceive as a threat and inflict a painful wound in seconds.