lion fish

[j-spot]

I have a tank with 2 good sized triggers in it and have been interested in purchasing a dwarf lion fish. The lfs near me has 1, but he is a very small guy. I am a little worried about the triggers starving out the lion if I got him. Does anyone have any ideas on how I could feed him beings how not much makes it past the surface with my 2 pigs?

 

[lion_crazz]

I would definitely not recommend it. Along with the difficulty of feeding him, he will get ripped apart by triggers. They are one of the least aggressive lions.

 

[j-spot]

Even in a 120 gallon tank? Given their somewhat nocturnal nature couldn't I try feeding him when the lights go out?

 

[lion_crazz]

I would not attempt it. Fuzzy dwarfs are a very personal fish and every time you come to view the tank the fuzzy will be right there out in the open. The triggers will stress out the lion, if not kill him.

 

[j-spot]

It is a zebra lion if that makes much difference.

 

[lion_crazz]

Oh, I'm sorry, I thought it said it was a fuzzy dwarf. Well, you have a much better chance with a zebra. What kind of triggers are they?

 

[j-spot]

Picasso and a niger trigger, both around 3 inches in length. So if I do get the lion, what would be the best way to feed him?

 

[lion_crazz]

Oh, well, they are not the worst of triggers at least.
I would probably just hand feed him ghost shrimp until he is so comfortable with you that he takes it pretty much out of your fingers. I am not saying let him eat out of your hand, because I do not want you to be stung, but let him come as close to your hand as possible to get the ghost shrimp. This will make him aggressive enough to compete with the triggers and also it will show the triggers who is boss when it comes to feeding. That is what I did with both of my lions. It was kinda tough to do that with the fuzzy dwarf because the volitan is just so much more aggressive but he is coming along nicely.

 

[j-spot]

So just get ahold of some ghost shrimp to start with and feed him right out of my hand? I have heard mention of a feeding stick? I use a bamboo stiick to feed the triggers so that 1 does not hog all the food form the other. Would this work? Thank you for all the advice.

 

[lion_crazz]

I would not use a feeding stick. I have tried them with my lions and they do not work very well. Hand feeding him would be a better option. That way, there is something that distinguishes him from the rest of the fish. The lion will know that when your hand goes in the water, it is time for him to eat. Do not let him take the ghost shrimp right out of your hands. This can be dangerous. I do this with my lions, but it took some time to figure out the correct technique and I really do not want to hear that you got stung or anything.
You can usually fine ghost shrimp sold for 5 or 7 for a dollar. Whatever you do, do not feed a lionfish freshwater feederfish (guppies, rosies, goldfish, etc.)

 

[d0ch0liday]

hey guys what else can i use to try and get my darf to eat... i jave had him for 4 days and he still will not eat.....is this nirmal.....he seems fine.....but i am worried......

 

[lion_crazz]

What kind of lion is it? Looked like a fuzzy from your other pics but I am not sure....

 

[hawkfish203]

Ghost shrimp are freshwater too no????

 

[saxman]

Originally Posted by HAWKFISH203
http:///forum/post/3280241
Ghost shrimp are freshwater too no????
this thread is almost 5 years old, but to answer your question, yes, they are FW critters (there are SW species, but they're hard to find).
the problem with FW fish is that long-term, they aren't good for your SW fish. this is especially true of the carp family (goldfish, rosy reds). guppies or mollies are fine for a month or so while you're getting the fish established.
whatever live food you feed, they should be gut-loaded with a good quality marine flake food.
I would not use a feeding stick. I have tried them with my lions and they do not work very well.]
FWIW, i have to say that i disagree with this completely. we use a modified stick with excellent results to feed our 19 specimens of venomous fish. it's great to be able to make sure each fish gets its share.