Marine betta and Volitan lionfish?

Discussion in 'Tropical Fish' started by scandluz22, May 4, 2012.

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  1. scandluz22

    scandluz22 Astrea Snail

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    I know there have been a lot of "What tankmates can I get for my lion fish" threads, but haven't seen any that mention a marine betta. So, has anyone kept one with a volitan or just have any experience with them. I also have read some threads and articles that say you can keep triggers with a lion fish and others that say no way. What are everyones experience with putting them in a tank together.

    My tank is 125g and the only fish in there is the volitan and it is screaming for more fish!
     
    Last edited: May 8, 2012
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  3. Oldsalt

    Oldsalt Plankton

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    Many years ago I did keep a betta with a lionfish for all of thirty seconds... that was how long it took the lionfish to eat him, but I have kept lionfish and triggers together with no problems. Hope that helps.
     
  4. Reef4life

    Reef4life Feather Duster

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    Triggers have the tendencies to nip at the Lion, as everything in this hobby there is no guarantee ;)
     
  5. Renee@LionfishLair

    Renee@LionfishLair 3reef Sponsor

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    The odds of a adult beta and an adult lion being compatible are on the plus side, IMO. If one eats the other in minutes, ya didn't make a good guestimation on their size differential at the time of acquisition. Your best bet would be to buy a big ole adult betta. Don't buy one that has to grow. Fish just don't reach max potential size in our tanks and I'm sure it's linked with diet. So, buy and adult betta and a younger lion and you should be good to go. But you also have to make sure the betta won't eat the lion either. That's why I have something like 14 personal tanks.... they are still growing and not ready to be placed in the same tank just yet.

    The triggers that most people have success with are the planktonic species, like the Niger and pink tail. The degree of possible success will be based on the size of the tank and the personalities of the fish.
     
  6. Moby Duck

    Moby Duck Purple Spiny Lobster

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    A lot of fish can be kept with lions but I would think he would devour a beta.
     
  7. Renee@LionfishLair

    Renee@LionfishLair 3reef Sponsor

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    You would have to get an adult. Not a little one that you'll have to grow out. You'll never grow him to full potential and then he may be edible.
     
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  9. scandluz22

    scandluz22 Astrea Snail

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    I went with a blue line grouper. I will see how long I can keep him before I have to upgrade my tank....another excuse to upgrade in the future ;D I've read different opinions on the grouper and the size of the tank he needs though. What do you think is a good size tank for him? What is one more fish I could put in the tank with these guys? And thanks for the help guys.

    Oh yeah, he is a little bigger than my lion fish and I have seen the lion go after him a few times. Hopefully that stops.