the lion fish

The Lionfish is also known as the Turkey, Dragon, or Scorpion Fish. It is famous for using its stinging spines and fins that are poisonous. They are aggressive predators that corner in their prey before stunning them with their spines, and then swallowing them whole. There are several types of this species including the dwarf, red, and black lionfish.

I was suprised to find that there is also a fresh water lion fish known as the dwarf fish. Also they can be sort of aggressive. I first learned about the lion fish when i was in sixith grade our science teacher passed a slip of paper to each student in which had a name of a different animal on it i got the lion fish and ever since then ive always been interested in the lion fish if you have a lion fish i would love to see pictures also this is my first informal post so tell me how my info is thanks

 

I have no intention of bashing anyone or their information. I'm just saying what I have been told and read and seen in the hobby.

I've never heard of them using their venom when hunting. The spines on the back are the ones that are venemous and I dont see a way of using them offensivly. I was always told that the venom is defensive and if anything bit into a lion they would get a mouthfull of venom so that makes sence.

They do use the long fins on the side to sort of herd fish into smaller spaces where they essentially suck them into their mouths and eat them alive. I'm not sure if I would prefer to get stung and stunned or just a quick death by being swallowed alive.

That would be cool to get a freshwater dwarf lion fish. My favorite lion is a FuManchu lion which is a type of dwarf. More of a bottom dweller than the voltan lion that is more common in fish stores.

 

nice post nick, the lionfish is a beautiful creature, but those spines put me off, owning one

Steve

 

I have seen lionfish tilt their heads down and lunge towards hands in the tank, unprovoked. Yes this was at a LFS and I warned the guy that lions will sting you if you pester them.