qre lions reef compatable?

[matt randazzo]

are lions reef compatible? I will be getting a 55 gallon tank soon and i am considering either a FOWLR tank or a reef tank... but i know that i'd want a lion... if they are reef compatible what tankmates would i be able to give it? I know that a lion would eat any fish it can but would it harass fish of equal size? what about some inverts (like shrimp, crabs, anemone, snails, sea stars, clams...) if there is plenty of hiding spots and live rock?

 

[agreeive?fish]

ANYTHING that will fit in its mouth will be food, and their mouth is way bigger than it looks( i dont know about coral with a lion though) especialy shrimp and fish

a 55g will only be big enough for the DRAWF LIONS

 

[thefurrywarrior]

safe with corals yes....anything else that will fit in its mouth no....

 

[frankpayne32]

It will leave corals alone, many people keep lions in reefs. It will likely eat any fish or crustacean that it can (almost it's own body size minus fins). I've never heard of one eating snails either.

 

[Wolverine]

As noted above, only a dwarf lion is a good fit for a tank that size. Also as noted, any fish or motile crustaceans that can fit in its mouth is fair game. Other than that, I do consider them reef-safe, since they'll generally leave the corals alone.

 

[snorvich]

As noted above, only a dwarf lion is a good fit for a tank that size. Also as noted, any fish or motile crustaceans that can fit in its mouth is fair game. Other than that, I do consider them reef-safe, since they'll generally leave the corals alone.

I agree. Keep in mind that their mouth is much larger than you think it is because they can expand it. Lionfish hunt by inhaling their food.

 

[Woogiekids]

I have a dwarf fuzzy. He only eats krill, and is entirely too lazy to hunt on his own. I literally have to stick it right on front of him, or he just watches it float by and the LTA gets an extra meal. He's so lazy that the blue banded shrimp sits on his back. (disclaimer, your lion may not be lazy, and may eat everything in your tank).