Two-spot Lionfish (Pterois two)
Fish in the family Scorpaenidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
Elongated, oval-shaped body with a vibrant red or orange hue, adorned with alternating black and white stripes along the sides. Distinctive dorsal and anal spines are venomous, yellow or white in color.
Diet and feeding
Brine shrimp (Artemia), polychaete worms (Polychaeta) and small fish (such as guppies or killifish) in the wild. In aquariums: brine shrimp (Artemia), mysis shrimp, and various commercial marine fish pellets.
Difficulty and care for the Two-spot Lionfish
Moderate - Two-spot Lionfish requires standard marine aquarium maintenance and intermediate fish keeping skills.
Common health issues
Marine ich, Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder, Bacterial infections, Parasitic infestations
Origin and habitat
The Red Lionfish (Pterois volitans) is native to the Indian and Pacific Oceans, primarily found in the Indo-West Pacific region, including Red Sea coasts, east Africa, and south to Australia, Fiji, and French Polynesia. They are also observed along the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Coastline, likely introduced from aquarium releases.
Log Two-spot 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 Two-spot Lionfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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