Baby Radiata

[miniwhinny]

Got this tiny Radiata a couple of days ago as a "gift". What a surprise !

He's barely over an inch in length and when all fins are spread out he's still only about the size of a golf ball.

 

[johno4]

Beutiful! Good luck with him

 

[miniwhinny]

Thanks.

I read that this is one of the harder ones to convert to prepared foods but I went out early yesterday and picked up some frozen krill and he's wolfed down every piece I've given him.

I have one question...he's in a 40B (here's a pic)

The tank is an established reef but there are about 20 maxi mini nems in there and they're way bigger than he is...does anyone see this as posing problems? I sure don't want him to end up as a nems lunch snack.

 

[jarrod13]

That is awesome!!! I love baby lionfish!

Honestly I wouldn't put him in with the nems, I would think the nems could eat him no problem. I personally wouldn't risk it with such a small specimen, you barely ever see healthy radiatas and especially baby ones

 

[Recty]

And just an FYI, there have been lots of lockjaw and health related problems reported with lionfish that are fed primarily a diet of krill. You'd be best to get him onto other marine meats as quick as possible.

Cute little fish though for sure

 

[miniwhinny]

Thanks Jarrod13 and Recty,

I'll move him out (or move the nems right away)

I'll also go shopping for a more varied diet. Picked up the krill just to try to get him to eat something - now I know he's a wolf I'll grab him (or her) a smorgasbord.

'preciate the help/advise.

 

[namxas]

Cute little lion. I LOVE getting them at that age...there's nothing more cute, and they end up being pretty special when you grow them up. Good advice on the food...leave out the krill.

We just moved our radiata to a larger setup (still a grow-out tank, but more water). It's a really great eater too as well.

More pics as your fish progresses, please!

 

[jarrod13]

Well it is good that he's at least eating other stuff than live, but defInitely want to stop feeding him that and get some fresh seafood.

I would try to get the nems out rather than the lion but I imagine that may be a little tricky

 

[miniwhinny]

Yup, I've been sitting in front of the tank for 30 minutes trying to decide which would be the easier thing to move lol.

Jarrod - when you say "fresh seafood" do you literally mean "grocery store seafood section"?

I'm usually so careful with my purchases but as this one was a gift that I wasn't expecting I'm having to do things backwards.

Mamxas - do you have a thread? If not can you post pics of your Radiata - I don't mind you posting in this thread

 

[jarrod13]

Yes raw uncooked seafood, shrimp, scallops, fish, whatever you'd like really, it just has to be raw and uncooked. Also make sure the pieces are TINY! It's better to feed multiple small pieces rather than one big piece. Make the pieces fit in his mouth easily, and only feed until you see a little bulge in his belly

 

[StephLionfish]

Adorable little lion! I've always wanted a Radiata, but I always have to pass on them cause they never look good... Those are some wicked horns on the little fella, lol.

 

[castaway]

Awesome fish, keep the pics coming.

 

[namxas]

Mini,

We have LOTS of threads with photos (I know some folks are probably groaning!). However, I don't recall us having one for the radiata because we acquired our specimen "AM" (after moving).

That being said, I think Renee was shooting some photos of it in its new tank last night (it was a little feller too, and was in a 10 gal for a bit to get it conditioned, weaned and growing).

Here's the first pic she shot of it pretty much immediately after it came into our possession (you can see it was a tad "rough" from being "in the chain"):

 

[miniwhinny]

Very pretty