volitan lion

[angler1]

Hello all,
I have a juvi (8 in) lion, whose ray tips have turned from snow white to orange. Is this a bad sign? Any clues?

 

[conogre]

It sounds like your fish is just reaching sexual maturity, unless by "orange" you mean that you're seeing blood tinging.
The orangish coloration is common in larger specimens, particularly the Russeli which is often sold as a volitans.

 

[angler1]

Thanks for the info, I was afraid it had something to do with the goldfish I feed it but seriously, what is the difference between a Russeli and a Volitan?

 

[jester]

It's not good to feed goldfish. It's actually really bad. It is fun to watch, but unhealthy for the fish. goldfish have very little nutritional value. They are mostly fat. It's like eating a tripple cheese burger from wendy's every meal . Train him to eat krill and he will be happier.

 

[mightyoxjuice]

Lions also have a hard time digesting the skulls of goldfish. The skulls can block up the intestines and lead to death.

 

[joez]

I feed my lion feeders, but I don't think they are goldfish. They are FW fish, however. They don't look at all like those you'd typically think of a gold fish looking like...
Those just as bad or somewhat better? They certainly don't appear as "FAT" as goldfish.

 

[jester]

Yes they are bad also.
Sorry

 

[grouperhead]

Freshwater feeders lack nutritional value. They are high in fat, can introduce pathogens to your tank, and are just plain dirty and nasty. They will eventually cause a fatty buildup on the liver and lead to a premature death. Feed frozen. Bo

 

[joez]

I still have yet to hear anyone suggest a good sw alternative for a feeder fish...
anything???

 

[grouperhead]

Krill, shrimp, silversides, squid, clams, aggressive formula, any meaty food. Bo

 

[joez]

no...I mean sw feeder fish

 

[grouperhead]

There are none. Feed already prepared food. Bo

 

[ryebread]

My old Volitans that was short-lived due to me feeding goldfish feeders. I did not know what I was doing a while ago and only wish I had the chance to feed frozen to him now. I miss him.