V lion acting weird?

[djessem]

I have had a V lion for nine m,onths. He used to stay hanginmg upside down under the overflow basin or rocks. He has lately began to swin in circles for quite long periods. Is this indicative of anything health-wise. He appears otherwise normal. He also will only eat if food is stick-fed and placed basically on the tip of his mouth before he will hit the food. He still hitys the food voraciously when touching his mouth...just doesnt come to the feeding sopt like he used to do when the lid was raised. He has to be pursued with the food now!! Please advise

 

[conogre]

It sounds like your lionfish may be blind, something I've seen happen time and time again, not just with lionfish, but many other species as well.
The circular swimming pattern is indicitive of knowing where it's safe to swim without bumping into things and the touch/strike reflex is his way of coping.
In lionfish this can be caused by several things.....1)Nitrates too high: while not as bad as nitrites or ammonia, over the long term some species, indeed some whole FAMILIES will eventually show signs of deterioration.
2) Too bright of a tank with not enough shaded hiding spots....P. volitans is a relatively deep water fish where it is dark and largely nocturnal as well.
3) Eye infections: many get "cloudy" eyes which can be a form of fish cataract.in some cases this can be cleared up by anitbiotics or a dip in a hydrogen peroxide bath (7 ml per 1 liter of marine water for 11 minutes)
If he IS blind, he can still lead a long life if you target feed him and don't add any aggressive fish to the tank.
Mike