background
tv schedule store
logo nav barDiscovery ChannelThe Learning Channel (TLC)Animal PlanetTravel ChannelDiscovery Health Channel
.com address
bottom
search top
site index
search
November 23, 2009
Marine Fish
send to a friend
printer friendly version

Russell's Lionfish
More Fish
Ready for the next lionfish or scorpionfish? Check out the Volitan's Lionfish.

Back to Lionfish & Related — Overview.

Open the Main Menu.

Russell's Lionfish
Veterinary & Aquatic Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.

The Russell's Lionfish is also known as the Red Volitans, Spotless, or Soldier Lionfish; Largetail or Military Turkeyfish; and Plaintail Firefish. It is tan with light brown vertical stripes. The spines on the dorsal, anal, and pectoral fins are fleshy, and not banded like those of other lionfish.

The spines on the fins are poisonous, and if you are stung, the reaction will be similar to a bee sting only a little stronger.

The Russell's Lionfish requires a 50 gallon or larger aquarium with numerous hiding places. It is a very hardy fish and generally peaceful, except towards other lionfish. It may eat tank mates including ornamental shrimp and small fish.

Feeding may be difficult until the fish is acclimated to the tank; feeding live shrimp or feeder fish may be helpful. Once acclimated, the Russell's Lionfish will eat meaty foods including the flesh of fish and crustaceans.

Fish Facts
Name: Russell's Lionfish (Pterois russelli)
Family: Scorpaenidae
Range: Indo-Pacific
Size: Up to 12 inches
Diet: Carnivore
Tank Set-up: Marine: Coral or rock, plants
Reef Compatible: With caution
Tank Conditions: 72-78°F; sg 1.022-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4
Minimum Tank Capacity: 50 gallon
Light: High
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Venomous: Yes
Swimming Level: No specific level
Care Level: Easy
Reproduction: Egg Layer
advertisement

Picture(s): Courtesy of Drs. Foster and Smith |
Information provided courtesy of PetEducation.com

Discovery Channel | TLC | Animal Planet | Discovery Health | Science Channel | Planet Green
Discovery Kids | Military Channel | Investigation Discovery | HD Theater | Turbo | FitTV

HowStuffWorks | TreeHugger | Petfinder | PetVideo | Discovery Education

Visit the Discovery Store: Toys & Games | Telescopes | DVD Sets | Planet Earth DVD | Gift Ideas

By visiting this site, you agree to the terms and conditions
of our Visitor Agreement. Please read. Privacy Policy.
ATTENTION! We recently updated our privacy policy. The changes are effective as of September 10, 2008.
To see the new policy, click here. Questions? See the policy for the contact information.

Copyright © 2009 Discovery Communications, LLC.

The leading global real-world media and entertainment company.