The Volitan Lionfish is the most commonly captive-kept lionfish species. The breathtaking appearance of these fish makes it easy to see why.

Volitan Lions are normally peaceful and not territorial. They may be kept in a community situation, so long as the tank mates are of a similar size or larger than your lion. Because many Volitan Lions show tendencies to eat smaller fish or small crustaceans in their aquariums, they are not considered to be reef safe. Also, because they require a meaty diet, water quality may be quickly compromised if the aquarist is not vigilant. In the wild, Volitan Lions live in caves or other dark, secluded areas of reefs. They often emerge under cover of darkness to hunt, when they may be found alone or in groups. Often, hunting simply involves a camouflage technique in which the Volitan Lion will hang motionless in the water and wait for prey to swim up to it. In captivity, some will remain in such a position, turned upside down. Because their dorsal spines are venomous, you should be sure that you know the whereabouts of your fish if it becomes necessary to reach into its aquarium.

The Volitan Lion is a creamy white color. Its body and fins are decorated with bands or stripes of a darker color, in marked contrast to the white base. Often, black or reddish are characteristic colors for the darker markings. The Volitan Lion has impressively branched pectoral fins and a similarly constructed dorsal fin, which give this fish its amazing appearance. Each of the fins shows ribbon-like membranous strips, which flow and float in the water about the Volitan Lion, giving it a very unique shape. At maturity, Volitan Lions can reach lengths of 12 to 16 inches (30 to 40 centimeters).

The Volitan Lion is considered to be the representative member of its family in aquaculture, since it is kept widely by enthusiasts. These incredible fish are native to Indo Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Red Sea.

A single Volitan Lion should have an aquarium of at least 75 gallons in volume. Temperatures should remain between 75 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 26 degrees Celsius), with a pH level between 8.3 and 8.4. The specific gravity appropriate for Volitan Lions falls between 1.020 and 1.025. The lower end of this range is better for fish like Volitan Lions. However, if they are kept in a tank with invertebrates, then the specific gravity should be 1.023 to 1.025 for the health of the other animals. Volitan Lions may eat or harass smaller fish or shrimp in their aquariums. Because Volitan Lions are carnivorous, their diet should consist mostly of meaty items. Often, feeder fish like Silversides or Lance Fish are offered. Although adults are usually started on live feeder fish and later introduced to frozen food items, some juveniles may be started on frozen items immediately. Crustaceans are often given to Volitan Lions to supplement their diets. These fish are capable of eating enormous amounts of food at one feeding. This can be a problem for two reasons. The accompanying waste will degrade your water quality and they have been know to jump out of aquariums because of discomfort from their distended stomachs. For this reason they should only be fed moderate amounts of food about once per week.

Like all lion fish, the dorsal spines of the Volitan Lion are venomous. If you are stung, you should run the affected area under very hot water. This is because heat helps to break down the toxin. If you experience a reaction, often characterized by excessive pain, you should contact your physician immediately.

There is currently no special breeding information in our databases for this animal. To submit breeding / propagation information that is specific to this animal please click here.