Pterois mombasae

Sexing

 * It's very difficult to sex Lionfish, and breeding in captivity has so far been unsuccessful.

Tank compatibility

 * Can be kept with other members of the Scorpionfish or Rockfish family. However will attempt to eat any fish smaller than itself.

Diet

 * Difficult to feed. Will need lots of patience to get this fish to take frozen food. Will gladly take live ghost shrimp and will slowly learn to take silversides, krill, squid, cocktail shrimp, scallops or other fresh seafood. These are recommended to be soaked in vitamin supplements before feeding. Do not feed this fish fatty feeder fish such as guppies and goldfish, they can cause liver disease.

Feeding regime

 * Once or twice day.

Environment Specifics

 * Needs a spacious tank with caves in which to hide.

Behaviour

 * Not a highly active fish, may slowly swim around the tank, perch on rocks or hide in crevices. Will hide when newly introduced to the tank.

Identification

 * Mombasa Lionfish can be distinguished from Pterois antennata by their shorter pectoral fin filaments, larger eyes, unique barring pattern on the base of the tail, and lack of the series of dark spots on the pectoral fins. Just like its better-known cousin, the Mombasa Lionfish is a beautiful fish with unique pectoral fin filaments that resemble wings.

Note

 * This animal is venomous and can sting you. It's best not to put your hands in the tank with one of these fish unless you are protected. The sting is like a bee sting and is not fatal unless you have an allergic reaction.