Lionfish in a Reef? Yes/No?

[npp02c]

Hi, I am fairly (brand) new to this hobby and was wondering if it IS possible to keep a lionfish in a reef tank. Not the huge Volitan(?) lionfish, but the smaller dwarf type. If not what is the main problem with keeping one in a tank w/ a reef? The descriptions on SWF.com say that it needs rocks and ledges, what better than a reef tank? Any feedback is appreciated-
Thanks

 

[rujelus22]

The only real problem in a reef is there are normally small fish, crabs, and shrimp which would all get eaten by the lion. If you don't want to have any of these things go nuts

 

[npp02c]

That makes sense... I'd rather have the inverts to clean. Thanks

 

[v-lioness]

You can have one in a reef with corals but shrimp & crabs are another story. It all depends on what else you want to keep in your tank. They are messy fish so that should be taken into consideration when thinking about this species in a reef.
These are two good articles that may help guide you, it will explain the different species also.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/cav1i2...lionfishes.htm
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/20...ture/index.php
Kaye