Lionfish????

[fastiefishrb03]

Hi.
I am relatively new to saltwater but i have experience in freshwater
I would like to have a dwarf fuzzy lionfish.
Are there any suitable tankmates?????
Some people say they are reef safe are they????
Is this a good idea???
Thank you.

 

[jstdv8]

yes they are reef safe, just about any non aggrssive fish that is 3/4 or larger than the lion will be fine. if they can't fit it in thier mouth they are good to go.
Lions are not agressive fish, they are nor territorial, very docile except when it comes to eating. they dont know the difference between a feeder goldfish and a 100 dollar jaw fish

 

[mony97]

Lionfish can be hard to keep and are relitively picky eaters. With that iin mind I would not suggest one as your first fish, and would wait till your tank and knowledge is established.
As for tankmates there are plenty that will work with this fish, and really only comes down to will the fish fit in his mouth or not?

 

[fastiefishrb03]

Do you know any kinds off the top of your head?
Also, the lionfish might not workout.
Any suggestions for a cool/colorful/beautiful/awesome 55 gal tank????
Thanks?
P.S. would any triggers fit in a 55?

 

[saxman]

Originally Posted by mony97
http:///forum/post/3214416
Lionfish can be hard to keep and are relitively picky eaters.
depends on the species, but IME, fuzzies are like the P. volitans of the dwarf lions when it comes to eating. also, i find them to be quite durable in terms of general husbandry.
i do suggest that anyone research any fish prior to buying it, but there's no reason to relegate beginners to damsels, incl. clownfish (UGH!), firefish, clown gobies, etc. when there are viable and excellent alternatives.
FastieFish,
do a search on "Frank Marini Lionfish" and that should give you a hit on his excellent article on keeping lions. it gives a rundown of available species as well as their care requirements.

 

[jstdv8]

I have to disagree with them being hard to keep. Sure you need to train them to eat frozen, but just about naybody can do that with good success. And they are a really hardy fish.
my first fish was a volitan and I did really good with him. I sent him to a new home recently. he was 9" long and eats like a horse.

 

[fastiefishrb03]

Thanks i read the article.
would cardinal fish, filefish, firefish, and/or butterfly fish go well with the dwarf fuzzy lionfish?

 

[srfisher17]

Originally Posted by Jstdv8
http:///forum/post/3214434
I have to disagree with them being hard to keep. Sure you need to train them to eat frozen, but just about naybody can do that with good success. And they are a really hardy fish.
my first fish was a volitan and I did really good with him. I sent him to a new home recently. he was 9" long and eats like a horse.

I agree. I think lions are very easy fish to keep. They are so hardy, they were once used as 'cycle" fish. They just have special needs, like most fish. Dwarfs may no be a little tougher than Volitans, but still a relatively easy fish, IMO.

 

[hammerhed7]

with lions the two main concerns are fish that are too small will be eaten (also ornamental shrimps) and fish that will nip at the lion such as triggers, and puffers.
With a dwarf lion I would add a basslet (Black cap is my favorite) a dwarf angel, shrimp goby, etc.
There are many choices, the key to keeping healthy lions is to feed them a varied diet. (Shrimp, squid, scallops, silversides etc). and do not overfeed them no matter how much they beg. 3 good feedings a week will suffice.
Good luck

 

[cranberry]

You can see which fish we are mixing with the fuzzy dwarfs HERE. We are hoping that's a male and female fuzzy. If they turn out to be 2 males (they are young), one won't be staying in the tank. There have been some changes to this plan, but none really do to compatibility issues besides the brasiliensis. The main problem is feeding all of them.

 

[the_hadleys]

Originally Posted by Cranberry
http:///forum/post/3217372
You can see which fish we are mixing with the fuzzy dwarfs HERE. We are hoping that's a male and female fuzzy. If they turn out to be 2 males (they are young), one won't be staying in the tank. There have been some changes to this plan, but none really do to compatibility issues besides the brasiliensis. The main problem is feeding all of them.
Okay I'm back! I just got lost on Cranberry's website... Hee... GORGEOUS!

 

[cranberry]

Frank marini will soon have a book coming out that is all about Lionfish and Scorps. It's going to be the "must read" on these guys.
Thanks for the thumbs up on my photoalbum.

 

[mony97]

Thumbs up? Those pictures deserve a standing ovation
Very nice site Cranberry I also got lost in all the beauty, and am now seriously reconsidering getting a dwarf lion for my tank! If you dont mind I may PM you to get some advice? I am very nervous about keeping these little guys, and would not want him/her to be stressed due to my lack of preparation and knowledge.
Good post Fast you have rekindled my interest in Lions