Peacock lion fish

[reeftofishonly]

Hello. I am wanting to get a volitans lion fish for my 155. I called a local lfs and they have a 7 inch "red peacock" lion fish. Is this just another name for a volitans? If not is this a good hardy choice. The woman said he eating a lot and eating pellets, frozen krill and squid as well as silversides.

This sound good or is not a volitans ? Thanks

 

[jarrod13]

Yes it is one of the common names for a volitans, but I have also seen many other lions labeled as peacock lions as well so it's certainly not a reliable name. It's more than likely a volitans or a russelli (Russell's). The easiest way to tell is to look at the chin and see if it has stripes or not, if it DOES have them it's a volitans.

Take a look at this article if you haven't already, it's a great read and a super guide to keeping lionfish. There are a set of pictures half way down that show the difference in the chin markings between the two species.

http://www.lionfishlair.com/careguides/lionfish.shtml

 

[Browncoat]

There is a Lion referred to as a Red Peacock and is not a Volitans. It's closer to a dwarf Zebra in that it has shorter fins and a stumpy body but grows larger. However, at the size they are saying, it is most likely a Volitans. Ask them to snap a cell phone pic and text it to ya.

 

[albano]

The woman said he eating a lot and eating pellets, frozen krill and squid as well as silversides.

How long have they had it?
I'd really have to see that, to believe it

 

[jarrod13]

^ that's not too terribly uncommon... I've even heard of them eating flakes.

 

[reeftofishonly]

How long have they had it?
I'd really have to see that, to believe it

They told me at least 3 months. The woman who I spoke with, I believe owners wife or girlfriend, talked to me on the phone about it for an hour. She says she feels it eats too much, and recommended feeding less. She also said he is super curious, often sneaking up under the siphon hose when tank cleaning.

 

[albano]

... She also said he is super curious, often sneaking up under the siphon hose when tank cleaning.

It was during a cleaning that my Volitan 'snuck up' on me, and I got 5 'hits' in my hand and wrist! With 2 kids in the house , that was my last lion!