Russell's Lionfish (Pterois russell's)
Fish in the family Scorpaenidae. Expert care. Not Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
Russell's Lionfish displays a tan to golden-brown body with darker vertical stripes and bands. It has the characteristic fan-like pectoral fins with venomous spines that are banded in contrasting colors, along with a deep body and large head typical of the genus Pterois.
Diet and feeding
Zooplankton, small fish, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, marine worms
Difficulty and care for the Russell's Lionfish
Russell's Lionfish is an expert-level aquarium fish requiring precise feeding of live foods, careful handling due to venomous spines, and substantial tank space with slow-moving water conditions.
Common health issues
Marine ich, Fin Rot, Swim Bladder Disorder, Columnaris Disease, Hole-in-the-Head Disease
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region, found from the Red Sea through the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific to Australia and the Great Barrier Reef.
Log Russell's Lionfish in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Russell's Lionfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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