Oceans Beautiful Creatures

Twinspot Lionfish(Dendrochirus biocellatus)

noreply@blogger.com (Naoko) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:16:00 +0000

Twinspot Lionfish(Dendrochirus biocellatus)

Description: The twinspot lionfish is known from Mauritius to the Society Islands, north to Japan and south to Australia. It has been reported at depths of 1 to 40 m (3.3 to 132 ft.) in lagoons, on coastal fringing reefs and on patch reefs. It is also found on outer reef faces and slopes. It tends to prefer microhabitats with rich stony and or soft coral growth. It is a secretive species that spends the daytime hours hanging upside down in deeper crevices and caves.

Reommended minimum tank size: The Twinspot prefers a tank at least 50 gallons with plenty of places to hide & swim.

Food and diet: Carnivous, feed on crustaceans and fishes. Feed meaty foods, ,ay require live foo to initiate feeding response.

Reef Comparability: Interesting reef tank resident, but will eat crustaceans and small fishes.

Zebra Lionfish(Dendrochirus zebra)

noreply@blogger.com (Naoko) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:15:00 +0000

Zebra Lionfish(Dendrochirus zebra).

Description: From Indonesia, the Dwarf or Zebra Lionfish, has red, white, and black vertical stripes along the body; large, fan-like pectoral fins; and tall, quill-like dorsal fins. The spines on the dorsal, pelvic, and anal fins are venomous. If you are stung, the reaction will be similar to a bee sting only a little stronger. It will hide while acclimating to its new home, but then is generally found out in the open.

Recommended minimum tank size: The Dwarf prefers a tank of at least 30 gallons with plenty of places to hide & swim.

Food and diet: Carnivorous, feeds on crustaceans and fishes. Feed meaty foods, may require live food to initiate feeding response.

Reef Compatability: Interesting reef tank resident, but will eat crustaceans and small fishes.