Lionfish For Sale

Lionfish are stunning, slow-moving predators known for their dramatic fins and calm, regal behavior. However, choosing the right tank mates is essential, as lionfish will eat any fish or invertebrate small enough to fit in their mouths. The best companions are medium-to-large, confident species that won’t harass the lionfish but also can’t be swallowed. With proper selection, lionfish can thrive in peaceful, stable, predator-friendly community tanks.

Best tank mates for lionfish:

Large angelfish (e.g., Emperor, Blueface, French Angel): Too big to be prey and generally peaceful toward lionfish.
Tangs and surgeonfish (Yellow Tang, Kole Tang, Naso Tang): Fast, alert swimmers that coexist well in larger systems.
Triggerfish (reef-safe-with-caution species like Blue Throat): Confident enough to ignore lionfish; avoid aggressive triggers like Clown or Undulated.
Large wrasses (Harlequin Tusk, Banana Wrasse): Colorful, hardy, and active but too large to be eaten.
Groupers and hawkfish: Typically compatible in predator tanks with enough space.
Rabbitfish and foxfaces: Peaceful herbivores that grow too large to be targeted.

Tank mates to avoid:
Small fish such as gobies, blennies, chromis, anthias, and small wrasses will be eaten. Shrimp, crabs, and small ornamental inverts are also considered prey.

One Saltwaterfish.com reviewer of the Antenneta Lionfish shared: “I bought this Antenneta Lionfish \- Venomous here and to show you how hardy this guy is, he was the most active of 5 fish I had delivered when outside temp in MN was 21 degree out and bag water was at 68 degrees. All survived after 2 1/2 hr slow drip acclimation. He is a colorful little guy to watch darting around the tank. He is constantly on the move searching for food or detritus on the bottom as well as on reef rock. Likes to dart in and out of rock. He is getting much better at snagging Mysis shrimp I drop in before the other 6 fish hog it all, especially my Hamlet Indigo who gobbles everything that moves. A joy to watch.”

Pro tips for choosing tank mates:

Choose tank mates at least half the lionfish’s body length or larger.
Provide plenty of rockwork to reduce territorial stress.
Keep feeding consistent: well-fed lionfish are less likely to attempt risky predation.
Avoid overly aggressive species that may nip at the lionfish’s fins.

Bottom line:
The best tank mates for lionfish are medium-to-large, confident species such as tangs, large angels, tuskfish, rabbitfish, and some groupers. Avoid anything small enough to be swallowed. With thoughtful selection and a spacious aquarium, lionfish make peaceful, stunning centerpieces in predator-friendly tanks. Explore Saltwaterfish.com’s lionfish selection, each backed by our 8-Day Live Guarantee for healthy, thriving arrivals.

Lionfish are stunning, intelligent, and iconic saltwater predators, but they come with very specific care requirements. Before adding one to your reef tank, it’s important to understand their feeding behaviors, compatibility limitations, venom safety, and impact on your existing livestock. With proper planning, lionfish can thrive in reef environments and become impressive, long-lived centerpiece fish.

Key considerations before adding a lionfish:

Diet & feeding: Lionfish are carnivorous ambush predators that primarily eat live or frozen meaty foods such as silversides, shrimp, and fish. Many require weaning from live food to frozen. They will eat any tank mate small enough to fit in their mouths.
Reef safety: Lionfish are coral-safe, meaning they won’t harm or eat corals. However, they will consume small fish, shrimp, and ornamental crustaceans.
Tank size: Volitans and Russells lionfish need 120+ gallons due to their large adult size and long fins. Dwarf species like the Dwarf Zebra or Fu Manchu need at least 30–55 gallons.
Flow & lighting: Moderate flow and standard reef lighting are ideal. Lionfish prefer slower-flowing zones where they can hover or perch.
Venomous spines: Lionfish have venomous dorsal, anal, and pelvic spines. Stings can cause significant pain, so careful handling and awareness during tank maintenance are crucial.
Compatibility: Lionfish should be paired only with medium-to-large reef-safe fish that they cannot swallow. Avoid aggressive tank mates that may fin-nip.

One Saltwaterfish.com reviewer of the Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish shared: “This is one of my favorite fish. This fish will recognize his owner. He’s so sweet and loves feeder shrimp.”

Pro tips before adding a lionfish:

Secure your tank cover: lionfish can jump when startled.
Use feeding tools like tongs to avoid accidental stings.
Ensure good filtration; lionfish are messy eaters.
Add lionfish after smaller tank mates to reduce predatory interest.

Bottom line:
Before adding a lionfish to your reef tank, make sure you have the right tank size, compatible tank mates, and an understanding of their predatory nature and venomous spines. They are coral-safe and can thrive beautifully with the right setup. Explore Saltwaterfish.com’s lionfish selection, each backed by our 8-Day Live Guarantee for healthy, thriving arrivals.

Lionfish are impressive, slow-moving predators known for their graceful fins and striking appearance but they are also opportunistic hunters. In most cases, it is not safe to keep lionfish with shrimp, crabs, or other small ornamental invertebrates. If a lionfish can fit a crustacean into its mouth, it will eventually view it as food, regardless of how well-fed it is.

Lionfish hunt by stalking prey and rapidly striking with suction-feeding behavior. Even dwarf species like the Fu Manchu or Dwarf Zebra possess quick feeding reflexes that make shrimp and small crabs easy targets. Large Volitans and Russell’s lionfish can even consume medium-sized crustaceans without difficulty.

Invertebrates lionfish will usually eat:

Cleaner shrimp (Skunk, Fire, Peppermint)
Small crabs (Emeralds, hermits, pom-poms)
Sexy shrimp, anemone shrimp, and decorative shrimp species
Small snails may be knocked over or mouthed, but are not typically targeted as food

Invertebrates *that may survive (with caution):

Large urchins (lionfish ignore them due to spines)
Large starfish (not food items for lionfish)
Very large crabs (still risky, lionfish may harass or eventually consume them)

One Saltwaterfish.com reviewer of the Dwarf Zebra Lionfish shared: “Fantastic fish\! Although everyone made it seem like it was gonna be hard to feed. Ours didn't eat for 3 days and ever since then after that he has been eating music frozen shhrimp just like everyone else. Love it\! Thanks\!”

Pro tips if you keep lionfish in a mixed tank:

Avoid all ornamental shrimp and small crab species.
Stock only fish too large to be swallowed.
Feed lionfish consistently to reduce active hunting (but it will not eliminate predation).
Provide caves and open space: lionfish like to perch and ambush.

Bottom line:
Lionfish are not safe tank mates for shrimp or crabs. Their natural hunting instincts make most ornamental invertebrates vulnerable, regardless of tank size or feeding schedule. For the best results, keep lionfish with larger, confident fish and avoid small crustaceans. Explore Saltwaterfish.com’s lionfish collection, each backed by our 8-Day Live Guarantee for healthy, thriving arrivals.

Lionfish are famous for their striking beauty and dramatic fins but they’re equally well-known for their venomous spines. This often leads aquarists to wonder: Are lionfish dangerous only to humans, or can they poison other fish in the tank too? The good news is that lionfish are not poisonous to other fish in a way that harms tankmates, and they do not release venom into the water. Their venom is a defensive mechanism delivered only through direct contact with their spines.

Lionfish have venom glands at the base of their dorsal, pelvic, and anal spines. When a predator (or an unlucky aquarist) presses against these spines, venom is injected. However, fish in an aquarium are not harmed unless they physically impale themselves on the spines, which is extremely rare.

What lionfish venom does (and doesn’t do):

Does: Cause painful stings if a human or predator is pricked.
Does not: Harm other fish through proximity.
Does not: Leach into tank water or poison the aquarium.
Does not: Affect corals, invertebrates, or biological filtration.

Scientific research shows that lionfish venom evolved as a defensive deterrent, not as a tool for capturing prey. Field and laboratory observations demonstrate that lionfish hunt using stealth-based ambush tactics, herding prey with their fins and capturing it through rapid suction feeding rather than envenomation. Côté et al. (2013) documented that venomous spines are anatomically and behaviorally decoupled from feeding, serving exclusively to deter predators. This explains why lionfish can consume prey unharmed by venom and why stings occur only during handling or defensive encounters, not during hunting.

One Saltwaterfish.com reviewer of the Volitan Lionfish shared: “A cute, little, lively Volitan Lionfish: Colored that brings a lot of character to your tank. Seems to play well with others and makes a welcome addition while being an easy keeper.”

Pro safety tips:

Always use tongs when feeding to avoid accidental stings.
Know basic first aid: hot water immersion helps neutralize venom pain.
Don’t corner or chase lionfish; they flare their spines when stressed.
Provide ample swimming space so tankmates do not bump into them.

Bottom line:
Lionfish are venomous to humans and predators that touch their spines but they are not poisonous to tankmates and do not release toxins into the water. With proper handling and compatible tank mates, lionfish are safe, stunning additions to large reef and predator tanks. Explore Saltwaterfish.com’s lionfish selection, each backed by our 8-Day Live Guarantee for healthy, thriving arrivals.

Starting a lionfish aquarium requires thoughtful planning, proper equipment, and an understanding of their unique needs as large, venomous predators. Lionfish are hardy and adaptable, but they demand appropriate tank size, stable water conditions, and safe, compatible tank mates. With the right setup from the beginning, lionfish can become stunning, long-lived centerpiece fish in a saltwater system.

Essential equipment for a lionfish aquarium:

Large tank:
Volitans, Russell’s, and other large species: 120+ gallons
Dwarf species (Fu Manchu, Zebra Dwarf): 30–55 gallons
Strong filtration: Lionfish are messy eaters, so a high-capacity protein skimmer and robust biological filtration are crucial.
Stable heater & thermometer: Maintain 76–78°F consistently.
Secure lid or mesh top: Lionfish can jump when startled.
Moderate flow: They prefer gentle to moderate movement; avoid blasting them with high flow.
Rockwork: Provide caves, ledges, and open spaces for perching and slow cruising.
Feeding tools: Tongs or feeding sticks help keep hands away from venomous spines.

Keep lighting moderate, lionfish don’t need intense reef PAR levels.
Feed a varied carnivorous diet (silversides, shrimp, squid) and wean off live foods.
Maintain pristine water conditions with regular water changes.

• Always know where the lionfish is during maintenance to avoid accidental stings.

Bottom line:
To start a lionfish aquarium, you need a spacious tank, strong filtration, safe tank mates, and the right feeding and handling tools. With a properly designed setup, lionfish thrive and become striking, interactive pets. Explore Saltwaterfish.com’s lionfish selection, each backed by our 8-Day Live Guarantee for healthy, thriving arrivals.

Lionfish are generally considered reef safe, meaning they will not harm corals, anemones, or most sessile invertebrates. Their slow, graceful swimming and non-destructive feeding habits make them excellent candidates for reef tanks from a coral-safety perspective. However, while they won’t damage coral structures, lionfish are predators and this greatly affects which tank mates and invertebrates can safely live with them.

Why lionfish are coral-safe:

They do not nip at, sting, or smother corals.
They are not grazers and will not disturb coral tissue.
They prefer open areas and caves, not coral surfaces.

Shrimp (cleaner, peppermint, fire shrimp)
Small crabs and hermits
Tiny fish such as gobies, blennies, dottybacks, chromis, and small wrasses

Reef animals that ARE safe:

Corals of all types (SPS, LPS, soft corals)
Large crabs, large starfish, and urchins
Medium to large fish such as tangs, rabbitfish, large wrasses, and angels

Add the lionfish last so smaller fish don’t become targets.
Keep a secure lid: lionfish may jump when startled.
Feed a varied meaty diet several times per week.

• Ensure tank mates are large, confident, and calm.

Bottom line:
Lionfish are coral-safe and work beautifully in reef aquariums, but they are not safe with small fish or ornamental shrimp and crabs. With proper tank mates and a well-planned system, lionfish make stunning, peaceful additions to larger reef tanks. Explore Saltwaterfish.com’s lionfish collection, each backed by our 8-Day Live Guarantee for a healthy, thriving arrival.

Lionfish are carnivorous ambush predators with a natural diet consisting of small fish, shrimp, and crustaceans. In captivity, they thrive on a varied, protein-rich diet that mimics their wild feeding behavior. Because lionfish use a rapid suction-feeding strike, offering appropriately sized, meaty foods helps keep them healthy, active, and growing at a steady rate.

Many lionfish (especially newly collected ones) may initially prefer live foods, but most can be trained to accept frozen and prepared foods with patience and consistency.

Best foods for lionfish in captivity:

Frozen silversides (a staple food source)
Frozen shrimp, krill, and squid
Mysis shrimp (especially for smaller or dwarf species)
Small pieces of fish or clam meat
Live ghost shrimp or guppies (used only temporarily for weaning)
Enriched meaty foods to boost nutrition

One Saltwaterfish.com reviewer of the Mombasa Lionfish shared: “I love this Mombasa Lionfish\! Pictures don’t compare to the live fish. The new addition improves my saltwater water aquarium. Everyone loves it.”

Pro feeding tips:

Feed 3–4 times per week for adults; juveniles may need daily feedings.
Use feeding tongs to keep hands away from venomous spines.
Avoid overfeeding: lionfish will beg, but too much food can affect water quality.
Vary food types to provide broad nutrition and prevent dietary deficiencies.

• If a lionfish resists frozen foods, start with live prey, then gradually mix in frozen to transition them.

Bottom line:
Lionfish eat a meaty, high-protein diet consisting of shrimp, fish, squid, krill, and other marine-based foods. With consistent feeding and proper weaning techniques, they become easy, enthusiastic eaters in captivity. Explore Saltwaterfish.com’s lionfish selection, each backed by our 8-Day Live Guarantee for a healthy, thriving arrival.

Lionfish are hardy, long-lived marine predators, and with proper care, they can thrive for many years in captivity. Most lionfish kept in well-maintained aquariums live 10–15 years, and some large species (like the Volitans Lionfish) have been documented living even longer. Their lifespan depends heavily on tank size, diet, water quality, and compatibility with tank mates.

Factors that influence lionfish lifespan:

Tank size: Larger species require 120+ gallons; cramped tanks shorten lifespan.
Diet: A varied, nutrient-rich diet of shrimp, fish, squid, and krill promotes long-term health.
Water quality: Stable parameters and strong filtration are essential. Lionfish are messy eaters.
Stress & tank mates: Aggressive species that nip fins can shorten life expectancy.
Handling safety: Avoid unnecessary stress and always use tools due to venomous spines.

Feed a rotating diet of meaty marine foods 3–4 times per week.
Maintain excellent filtration to handle their heavy bioload.
Avoid keeping small fish or shrimp that the lionfish may see as prey.
Ensure tank mates are calm, confident, and appropriately sized.
Perform routine water changes to prevent nitrate buildup.

Bottom line:
A lionfish kept in a spacious, stable, well-maintained aquarium can live 10–15 years or more. With proper feeding, compatible tank mates, and excellent water quality, lionfish become long-term, rewarding centerpiece fish in marine systems. Explore Saltwaterfish.com’s lionfish collection, each backed by our 8-Day Live Guarantee for a healthy, thriving arrival.

Lionfish are surprisingly easy to keep for such large, dramatic, and venomous fish. They are hardy, adaptable, and tolerant of a wide range of tank conditions, making them suitable for both intermediate and experienced marine aquarists. Their care requirements revolve mainly around providing adequate tank size, maintaining good water quality, feeding properly, and ensuring appropriate tank mates.

Many hobbyists find lionfish to be among the most rewarding saltwater fish due to their slow, graceful behavior, impressive appearance, and strong feeding response.

Why lionfish are not hard to keep:

Hardy and adaptable: Lionfish tolerate moderate fluctuations in water quality better than many reef fish.
Coral-safe: They do not nip, sting, or damage coral, making them suitable for reef tanks with the right tank mates.
Strong feeders: Most lionfish learn quickly to accept frozen foods such as shrimp, silversides, and squid.
Low flow needs: They prefer gentle, moderate flow, making aquascaping and equipment setup simple.

What makes lionfish moderately challenging:

Predatory behavior: They will eat shrimp, crabs, and any fish small enough to swallow. Proper stocking is essential.
Bioload: Lionfish are messy eaters and require strong filtration.
Venomous spines: Handling or tank maintenance requires caution and planning.
Tank size: Larger species like the Volitans require 120 gallons or more.

Pro tips for easy lionfish care:

Choose tank mates too large to be eaten.
Feed a varied diet 3–4 times per week.
Use tongs or feeding sticks to stay safe around venomous spines.
Ensure a secure lid: lionfish can jump when startled.

• Maintain good filtration and perform regular water changes.

Bottom line:
Lionfish are not hard to keep when provided with proper tank size, stable water quality, and compatible tank mates. Their hardiness, beauty, and interactive personality make them excellent centerpiece fish. Explore Saltwaterfish.com’s lionfish collection, each backed by our 8-Day Live Guarantee for healthy, thriving arrivals.

Lionfish are stunning, hardy, and coral-safe predators, but they do come with several risks that aquarists must understand before adding one to a home aquarium. These risks are manageable with proper planning, but ignoring them can lead to injured tank mates, disappearing invertebrates, or even hobbyist injury due to their venomous spines. Understanding these challenges ensures your lionfish (and the rest of your tank) remains healthy and safe.

Major risks of keeping a lionfish:

Venomous spines: Lionfish possess venomous dorsal, anal, and pelvic spines. Accidental stings are painful and require first aid (hot water immersion). While not typically life-threatening, they are serious and demand caution during tank maintenance.
Predatory behavior: Lionfish will eat anything small enough to swallow, including shrimp, crabs, and small fish such as gobies or chromis. Even well-fed lionfish retain strong hunting instincts.
Large adult size: Species like the Volitans can reach 15 inches or more, requiring tanks of 120+ gallons. Undersized tanks limit mobility and shorten lifespan.
Heavy bioload: Lionfish are messy eaters and produce significant waste, requiring strong filtration and regular maintenance.
Compatibility issues: Aggressive tank mates may nip the lionfish’s fins, while timid fish may hide excessively. Careful stocking is essential.
Weaning challenges: Some lionfish initially refuse frozen foods and must be gradually transitioned from live prey.

Pro tips for reducing risks:

Use feeding tongs to avoid accidental stings.
Choose tank mates that are too large to be eaten.
Provide plenty of rock structures and open swimming space.
Maintain a secure lid: lionfish can jump when startled.

• Use strong filtration to support their high bioload.

Bottom line:
The primary risks of keeping lionfish involve their venomous spines, predatory behavior, and large waste output. With proper precautions, strong filtration, and thoughtful tank mate selection, lionfish can be safe, stunning centerpiece fish in a well-planned saltwater aquarium. Explore Saltwaterfish.com’s lionfish selection, each backed by our 8-Day Live Guarantee for healthy, thriving arrivals.

Lionfish are hardy, adaptable predators, and one of the reasons they’re so popular is that they do not require special lighting and thrive under standard reef or fish-only aquarium conditions. They naturally inhabit shaded reefs, caves, and overhangs, so intense lighting isn’t necessary. Instead, lionfish care focuses more on stable, high-quality water parameters that support their long-term health.

Lighting requirements:
Lionfish prefer low to moderate lighting, which closely mimics their natural habitats. Standard LED reef lighting is perfectly acceptable as long as high-intensity SPS lighting zones aren’t directly aimed at them. They often choose dimmer areas of the tank to rest or perch.

No special spectrum or PAR level is needed.
Avoid overly bright, harsh lighting that may stress them.
Provide rockwork or shaded areas where they can retreat.

Temperature: 76–78°F
Salinity: 1.023–1.026
pH: 8.1–8.4
Alkalinity: 8–9.5 dKH
Ammonia & Nitrite: 0 ppm (they are sensitive to spikes)
Nitrate: \<20 ppm preferred
Because lionfish are messy eaters, strong filtration and regular water changes are essential to maintain nutrient balance. A high-quality protein skimmer and adequate biological filtration help keep water stable.

Provide shaded areas or caves for resting.
Use strong filtration to handle their high bioload.
Keep salinity and temperature stable. Lionfish dislike swings.

• Avoid small tank mates, as lionfish will view them as food.

Bottom line:
Lionfish do not need special lighting, but they do require stable, high-quality water parameters and good filtration to manage their bioload. With consistent conditions and plenty of shaded areas, lionfish thrive as hardy, show-stopping additions to saltwater aquariums. Explore Saltwaterfish.com’s lionfish collection, each backed by our 8-Day Live Guarantee for healthy, thriving arrivals.