volitan lion

[jjtoon]

I have a volitan lion in a 55gal. tank along with a SFE and a brittle star. I have several questions. first I have read that the volitans can get quite large but on this website and others say they only get to about 5". So whats the facts on that. Also I was wondering if I could add a few fether dusters with out any problems.

 

[johnbob]

Volitan's can get well over a foot. I think what your reading is the size the lionfish will be if you order one from the site. I have no idea about the featherdusters.

 

[slcfish]

The consensus is that true Volitan lions max out at about 15-16." The reason why I say "true" volitan is because it is not uncommon for LFSs to sell Russells lions (which are smaller) as volitan lions. So I guess my first tip would be to make absolutely sure that you have a genuine volitan.
Quite frankly, I would get a larger tank if possible. Some experts claim that you can keep a volitan in a 55 because of their lazy nature and slow swimming style, but I (and many other lionfish lovers) disagree. The biggest volitan I have ever seen was about a foot long, and even with another possible 1/2 foot left to grow, he was still far to big for a 55. Another poster on this board started a thread about a volitan that he/she saw in a LFS that was the size of a basketball; hopefully that can give you some idea as to what you might eventually be faced with, should you keep your lion into adulthood.
There are several dwarf species of lionfish that might be more aptly suited for your tank than a volitan. If you do keep the one you already have, it might be wise to feed him sparingly to avoid having him grow too quickly.
I hope this helps, and I hope some of the lion experts on this board write in, because they definitely know what they are talking about.
Good luck

 

[jjtoon]

thank for the replies. I'll see about a dwarf lion here locally. I think they will give me some credit on my volitan.

 

[v-lioness]

I'll see about a dwarf lion here locally. I think they will give me some credit on my volitan.
jjtoon - Good Idea, they really do get large... SLCFish is correct on everything they said.
A Volitan should reach 8 - 10 inches in the first year and max out around 15 inches in 18 months. I have to agree with the larger tank, not only does this fish create a heavy load but many lions die prematurely in smaller tanks due to growth stunting, stress & Improper feedings.
There is the beautiful Russell's lion but again you would be looking at 10 - 12 inches in your tank. This is another fish that creates a heavy Bio-Load and needs a larger tank.
I have to agree there are a few dwarf species that would fit nicely in your 55g. The Fuzzy Dwarf, Zebra or Antennata would be a good choice. The Fu Man Chu lionfish can be harder to get on Frozen Food & Ships Poorly, Probably not the best choice for you.
No matter what lion you choose, feed a variety of food and soak all your foods in vitamins.
Kaye

 

[aw2eod]

I'm on of the ones that can verify size...along with V-Lioness (and a few others, I'm sure).
My Volitan was measured (out of water) at 15" long (nose to tail), 4" thick and with Pectoral fins spread, was bigger than a basketball.
I housed him in a 200gal. tank, which IMHO, wasnt big enough for him. Everyone says "they dont swim", "they're lazy", etc. but mine moved quite often. There were many places he'd sit and rest (upside down against the bottom of the drain pipe is where he'd sleep) but he was quite active, during the day.