Volitan Lionfish in a reef tank

[DragonWarriorPo]

I don't have any small fish in my reef tank. Can I put a volitan lionfish in the reef tank? Will it's sting kill corals? Also, anyone know where the stingers are located, is it in the dorsal fins, or do the wings have stings too?

 

[snorvich]

Not safe for fish or shrimp. No problem with corals.

 

[Wolverine]

Only the dorsal fins have the venomous spines, but won't affect the corals. They do sometimes perch on corals, which can irritate both parties, depending on what the coral is.

How big is your tank? Most people really underestimate how much room a volitans needs.

 

[DragonWarriorPo]

I have a 180gal standard dimensions.

 

[Wolverine]

That's the smallest size tank I would put one in.

 

[namxas]

Actually, lionfish have venomous dorsal spines, as well as two pelvic and and three ventral spines. If you take a look at the the SPINE ID drawing in our lionfish care guide, these spines are identified with red coloration. The pectorals are totally "safe".

HTH

BTW, Nate Wilson did the anatomical drawings for the article...thanks again, Nate!

 

[aleonn]

As a followup question, would snails, anemones, and clams be safe?

 

[namxas]

Yes indeed...hermits, snails, clams, corals are all fine with lionfish.