Antennata Lionfish - Small

Antennata Lionfish

This species of lionfish has a white head and a big mouth with antennae on top of each of its eyes. A bright red body and darker red vertical stripes combined with long thin white fins make this fish a sight to behold. These huge fins will be spread out to the side while hunting and then closed around their prey to prevent escape.

The Antennata Lionfish can be found all over the Indo-Pacific region from East Africa all the way through to Australia. They like hiding out in reef crevices during the day and are seen at depths of up to 50 meters.

They have been known to breed in captivity but it is extremely difficult to raise the offspring.

Extra care must be taken with these species of fish due to the venomous nature of the spines. Lionfish spines have even been known to penetrate rubber gloves so be aware of where it is at all times when your hand is in the tank to avoid getting stung.

Tank Recommendations for Antennata Lion Fish
The smallest tank size for this species of fish is 210 liters. The tank should be equipped with some sort of cave or crevice to give it a place to hang out. Lighting is irrelevant as these fish like to hide during the day. Care should be taken not to point the water pump close to the fish's hiding area. The type of substrate also doesn't matter to this species.

If keeping more than one species of lionfish in the same tank then an extra 100 liters of water per lionfish should be added to allow adequate room and avoid territorial fighting.

Suitable Tank Buddies
Lionfish will literally consume anything that can fit inside their mouths so only keep with fish that are larger than themselves. Also, be aware that these fish need quite a lot of space, and an overcrowded tank could result in other fish getting spiked with venom by accident.

Usually Compatible
Big groupers, snappers, angelfish, and even puffers would make excellent tank mates as long as they remain bigger in size than your lionfish. They also won't bother live coral and starfish, cucumbers, and hermit crabs. Other species of lionfish can also be kept if tank size guidelines are strictly followed.

Sometime Compatible
Success can sometimes be had with sharks and rays of an appropriate size. Invertebrates and crustaceans should be added will caution as depending on size and species may be preyed upon.

Rarely Compatible
Smaller fish species such as sea horses and damsels should be avoided due to the high probability of being eaten. Frogfish have also been known to eat lionfish which are the same size or smaller. Other Antennata lionfish should not be kept together as 2 males will fight and it is impossible to distinguish between sexes.

Feeding Your Antennata Lion Fish
These fish have a strictly carnivorous diet that favours shrimp and crab meat however they will eat fish if hungry enough. Avoid freeze-dried foods and freshwater fish as their stomachs are quite delicate at times. Feed them medium-sized pieces of raw marine crab/shrimp meat around 3 times a week. Be careful with portion sizes as they have been known to choke on pieces that are too big for them.