150g Tank Mates For Lionfish

[Sunny.C]

Hey Guys,

Need your help and advice as i am new to marine.
Is the difference between Dwarf Lion and normal Lion, is it just size or other things aswell?

What fish can i put in with Lionfish in my tank size?? I really want at least 1 tang and 1 Flame angel.

Thanks in advanced.

 

[SkiFletch]

Tang + flame agnel + lion = no problem in a tank that size. You could probably also keep a couple other color morphs of tang or pygmy angel in there. The only difference between fullsize and dwarf lions really is size and the size of what they eat. Lions are reef-safe and compatible with most non-aggressive marine fish that are big enough to not get lost in its mouth. Overly aggressive, nippy fish should not be hosued with lions.

As for other suggestions, I saw a fish at my LFS the other day which would be perfect for you. Apparently it is in the damselfish family although its MUCH bigger (4-8") and very docile. Also orange in color. Funny, I remember Randy (LFS owner) telling me it was a native of the pacific only, but I dont remember its name. Next time I'm over there I'll let you know

 

[Lynden]

So lions only eat fish? If I got a 2'' Antenatta, Russell's, or Volitans Lionfish, would it eat my Bar Goby? If not, would he grow up and eat him the first chance he got?

-Lynden

 

[SkiFletch]

Dunno about a bar goby. Lions pretty much eat any fish or invert that can fit in their mouth... And they can open their mouths very wide . THey also have quite the appetite for crabs

 

[andywg]

In the wild all the lion fish from the Dendrochirus genus (the "dwarf" lions) and those up to and including Pterois antennata for size are almost exclusively invert eaters. It's only the larger P. radiata, P. ruselli and P. volitans that tend to hunt for fish.

In the aquarium the dietry habits change and they tend to eat anything and everything that can fit in their large opening mouths. Fish should be a minimum of half the length of the lion to be considered safe. For this reason I would not consider them reef safe, unless you are happy to re stock on clean up crew at fairly regular intervals.

It should also be noted that they have been known to seriously upset corals by resting on them, particularly SPS corals. It has been hypothesised that they may even inject venom into some corals when hanging around tham, though I have seen no proof of this.

I would suggest a foxface rabbit fish to go in that tank, or possibly a scorpionfish of some type. All depends on if you want corals or big fish really.

 

[aberdeen aquarist]

As for other suggestions, I saw a fish at my LFS the other day which would be perfect for you. Apparently it is in the damselfish family although its MUCH bigger (4-8") and very docile. Also orange in color. Funny, I remember Randy (LFS owner) telling me it was a native of the pacific only, but I dont remember its name. Next time I'm over there I'll let you know

Garibaldi?

 

[Sunny.C]

I think i will stick to live rock only at first.
Should i put in the lion first before the other fish??
What steps should i take in order overall?