All fish / Scorpaenidae

Radiata Lionfish

Pterois radiata

Also known as clearfin lionfish, radial lionfish, radiata lion, tailbar lionfish, white-lined lionfish, radiata lionfish, キリンミノ, ikan lepu, 辐纹蓑鲉, 白针狮子鱼

A striking lionfish with dark reddish bars edged in white, long venomous dorsal spines and clear, unspotted pectoral fin rays that look like white threads. It is kept for its graceful, slow movement and dramatic outline in fish-only or predator reef tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

20 cm

Temperature

23 to 27 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

300 litres

Keep as

Best kept singly; pairs only in large tanks

Diet

Carnivore: live shrimp at first, then weaned onto frozen shrimp, krill, mysis and fish flesh

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to French Polynesia, south to Australia

Breeding

Pairs court at dusk and release floating gelatinous egg masses. Rearing the planktonic larvae is very difficult and captive breeding is rarely achieved at home.

Good to know

The dorsal, pelvic and anal spines are venomous and stings are very painful, so handle with care. It will eat any fish or shrimp small enough to swallow and is often shyer and harder to wean onto dead food than other lionfish.