Lionfish in a 37 gallon?

[westwind77]

I have a 37 gallon (30 x 12 x 22) set up as a 'natural northern saltwater' tank. I was thinking of switching that over to a tank with a Lionfish, is that possible? Would the 37 be enough room for the fish? Is there a specific species I would have to go with to keep it happy?
Thanks!

 

[prime311]

A 37 with sufficient filtration could house a single Dwarf Lionfish with no other tankmates.

 

[westwind77]

By 'Dwarf Lionfish' are you meaning Dendrochirus brachypterus?
Would there be a way to keep a small Volitan Lionfish? SWF has 3 listed on their site, 'Large', 'Large show', & 'Medium'. The 'Medium' is said to be 2"-4.5", could one of those work? Is there a dwarf version of that species?
Thanks!

 

[mboswell1982]

Originally Posted by westwind77
http:///forum/post/2878945
By 'Dwarf Lionfish' are you meaning Dendrochirus brachypterus?
Would there be a way to keep a small Volitan Lionfish? SWF has 3 listed on their site, 'Large', 'Large show', & 'Medium'. The 'Medium' is said to be 2"-4.5", could one of those work? Is there a dwarf version of that species?
Thanks!
thats the sizes they ship at, not the sizes they stay, just so you know. a dwarf lion is just that, a dwarf lionfish, a volitan is going to outgrow your tank, an fairly fast

 

[prime311]

Volitans grow very fast and should not be kept in a 37 Gallon.

 

[culp]

Originally Posted by prime311
http:///forum/post/2879377
Volitans grow very fast and should not be kept in a 37 Gallon.
I agree! to keep a Volitans you will need a 100 gallons Plus at the vary least.

 

[srfisher17]

Originally Posted by prime311
http:///forum/post/2879377
Volitans grow very fast and should not be kept in a 37 Gallon.

I've never kept a fish that grows as fast as a Volitan; I would never consider one in a small tank. Like a previous post said: a single dwarf (fuzzy or zebra) could be kept.

 

[hammerhed7]

My volitans have gone from the 4" purchase size to about 13" in just over18 months they would not be able to turn around in your tank, not to mention the bioload. Go with a dwarf they are cool fish, and get up to 6" they are not tiny fish.
Here is a of shot of one of mine

 

[doggiepuffer]

I agree a Dwarf aka Zebra Lionfish would be the best option if you really want a lion fish. However, make sure it is eating before you buy it, as it may not eat for a day or to after you bring him home, however if you tempt him with some ghost shrimp or brine shrimp he will go after them very quickly lol.