{"product_id":"peacock-volitan-lionfish-pterois-volitans","title":"Peacock Volitan Lionfish | Pterois volitans","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe classic lionfish, the Peacock Volitan spreads its banner-like fins in a slow, hypnotic display. It grows large and packs venomous spines, so give it a big tank and no bite-sized neighbours.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eLionfish naturally hold position around reef ledges, caves and coral heads, often resting during the day and hunting small fish or crustaceans when food is available. Natural origin for this listing is Indo-Pacific reefs, coral heads, caves, ledges and sheltered reef slopes. In captivity, the aquarium should recreate the security of reef structure with caves, ledges, open turning space and excellent filtration. These fish produce more waste than small community species, so oxygenation, protein skimming and stable water quality are critical.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePeacock Volitan Lionfish should show clear eyes, full body condition, intact fins and a strong feeding response. Lionfish display broad pectoral fins, dramatic dorsal spines and striped or patterned bodies. Their slow, deliberate movement gives them a commanding presence. Adult size is generally 35–38 cm, so the fish should never be purchased only for its current size. Colour, pattern and behaviour are usually best displayed once the fish has a secure territory and is feeding confidently.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eTemperament is best described as Predatory but generally calm; will eat small fish or shrimp. Compatibility must be planned carefully. Suitable tank mates are generally robust marine fish that are too large to be swallowed and confident enough to feed, such as larger tangs, rabbitfish, large wrasse, robust angelfish, suitable triggers, groupers or other predators depending on the species. Avoid tiny fish, small ornamental shrimp, delicate timid species and anything that can fit into the mouth. For triggerfish and larger predators, also consider biting behaviour, rock movement and aggression at feeding time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFeed as a Carnivore; frozen prawn, fish flesh, squid, krill, silversides and other meaty marine foods. Avoid long-term freshwater feeder fish. Use marine-based foods rather than freshwater feeder fish, as freshwater feeders are poor long-term nutrition and can contribute to health problems. Offer appropriately sized portions several times weekly or daily depending on the species, age and body condition. Predatory fish should be trained to accept frozen or prepared foods where possible. Feeding tongs are useful for eels, lionfish and scorpionfish, but hands should be kept away from mouths and venomous spines.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMinimum aquarium size is 500 L, with 700 L or larger recommended for long-term care. Maintain temperature at 24–27°C, pH 8.1–8.4 and salinity 1.024–1.026. Provide strong biological filtration, quality protein skimming and regular water changes of 10–20% as required to control nitrate and phosphate. Flow should provide good oxygenation without preventing the fish from resting. Lighting can match the system and is usually not critical for the fish itself. Aquascaping must be stable, with secure rockwork that cannot collapse if a triggerfish, eel or large predator pushes through it. Eels require a tight lid with no gaps.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eBreeding is not normally achieved in home aquariums. Spawning involves pelagic egg masses and specialised larval development. In home aquariums, breeding should not be expected. Many of these species have complex courtship, pelagic eggs or larvae, large adult size or specialist rearing needs. The practical focus should be correct feeding, stable water quality, secure housing and careful tank mate selection.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePterois volitans\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeacock Volitan Lionfish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIndo-Pacific reefs, coral heads, caves, ledges and sheltered reef slopes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e35–38 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8–12 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePredatory but generally calm; will eat small fish or shrimp\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e500 L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e700 L or larger\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarnivore; frozen prawn, fish flesh, squid, krill, silversides and other meaty marine foods. Avoid long-term freshwater feeder fish.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24–27°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8.1–8.4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable for marine aquariums\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.024–1.026\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLarge marine aquariums, predator systems and specialist fish-only displays\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCoral safe but not safe with small fish or ornamental shrimp; venomous spines require care\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable for marine aquariums\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates may include larger tangs, rabbitfish, robust wrasse, large angelfish with caution, larger clownfish, suitable triggers, groupers, larger hawkfish and other predator-safe marine fish. Match tank mates by adult size, temperament, feeding speed and risk of being swallowed or bitten.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoid small gobies, small cardinalfish, tiny wrasse, ornamental shrimp, crabs you want to keep safe, delicate timid fish, slow feeding fish, very aggressive tank mates in undersized aquariums, and any fish small enough to fit into the predator's mouth. Avoid open-top tanks for eels and avoid casual handling of lionfish or scorpionfish due to venomous spines.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55351897850147,"sku":null,"price":115.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm)","offer_id":55227178942755,"sku":"AA3253","price":129.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large (10-15cm)","offer_id":55351897882915,"sku":null,"price":150.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large (15-38cm)","offer_id":55351897915683,"sku":null,"price":175.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/Peacock_Volitans_Lionfish_Pterois_volitans_a75070f7-50ba-4654-9fce-68a79b686d11.jpg?v=1781681383","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/peacock-volitan-lionfish-pterois-volitans","provider":"Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}