Do Lionfish know not to eat poisonous fish?

[Newreeflady]

I asked this in my other thread, but thought for more exposure I should ask in a new one.

Specifically, I'm expecting a 2.5-3.5" antennata lionfish to come in this Saturday. I had planned on a smaller lionfish, but they ran out of stock so this is the replacement. I originally thought I'd QT the lion and the cowfish I was expecting together as they were supposed to be the same size, but I actually ended up with a 3/4" cubicus boxfish instead so now I'm not sure if I should just put the lion in my display (not ideal, easier to train to eat in the 20g QT). Would he eat the boxfish? It is very small. I know the box is poisonous, but does the lion know?

If the lion would eat the boxfish, what size do I need to grow the boxfish to in order to house them together safely?

Thanks!

 

[lemmy_k]

My guess from my experience with my Lion is that he will eat anything he can fit (and sometimes not fit) in his mouth. I have no experience with poisonous fish and my Lion, though. I know there are a lot of lion keepers here so hopefully they will speak up.

 

[Newreeflady]

Oh, dear, that would be bad. I need to know by tomorrow because I will have to cancel out the order as it ships on Friday. :/

 

[lemmy_k]

I think there may be an entire section devoted to lion fish here at RC. Take a look and see if you can get an answer there.
I would also ask where you ordered the fish from what they think, but keep in mind they are in business to sell you fish for their profit.

 

[lemmy_k]

Umm.. another double post

 

[Newreeflady]

I must be having some issues because I can't find this dedicated lionfish forum.

I did find this picture, though... thought you might find it interesting!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/christianloader/6044863151/

 

[CuttleKid]

Lions and any other ambush predators with large mouths can and will eat ANYTHING that they can fit in their mouths. As far as antennata lionfish are concerned, they are mainly crustecean predators(crabs/shrimps) but they will eat any fish small enough. Another note is that antennata lions have much larger mouths in proportion to their body than other lion fish so it will probably make short work of your boxfish

As far as fish knowing not to eat a poisonous fish, there are many records of predators such as lizardfish and anglerfish eating lions and scorps with no I'll effects.


Hope this helps

 

[sacremon]

On the other hand, I have read of an account of a lionfish eating a coral catfish (which are venomous) and dying.

If it moves and it can fit in its mouth, a lion will generally try to eat it.

 

[Newreeflady]

:/ This sucks.

 

[jarrod13]

As far as fish knowing not to eat a poisonous fish, there are many records of predators such as lizardfish and anglerfish eating lions and scorps with no I'll effects.

This is true that other fish do eat lions and scorps, but they are venomous not poisonous, so as long as they don't get injected while eating they're fine. Eating a poisonous fish is different, I think it's a risk I wouldn't take

 

[Newreeflady]

Thanks, guys. I canceled the lionfish order. Maybe one day when there are no small fish. Cheers!

 

[Wolverine]

Good decision. Lionfish will at times even try to eat fish that are too big for them, which can end in the death of both fish.

 

[MrTuskfish]

Good decision. Lionfish will at times even try to eat fish that are too big for them, which can end in the death of both fish.

Yeah, and I don't think lions are at the top of the fish I.Q. ladder. I keep several, though and love them.