The Incredibly Beautiful Lionfish

I few days ago I spoke about my great experience at the Sea-Life Aquarium, well on that day I also took a few photos of the Lionfish which I found incredibly beautiful because of their graceful fins, colorations and cautious movements. Turkey fish, Dragon fish and Scorpion fish are a few other names that are used for the Lionfish. Lionfish are native to the Pacific and Indian oceans, but have recently been found in the warm waters of Atlantic Ocean, far from their natural home. It is uncertain how they established themselves there but one theory is that the Lionfish were discarded by unsatisfied aquarium enthusiasts.

There are over 20 different species of Lionfish (the Volitan Lionfish is the most popular). The lifespan of the Lionfish is of about 15 years in the wild and they can grow up to 15 inches in length. Lionfish are known for their venomous spines that are deadly to their prey, but luckily not to humans, nevertheless, a stinging can cause severe pain and can be life threatening for people suffering from allergies, even so, they are very popular aquarium fish. Lionfish take advantage of their beautiful different colored strips that serve them as camouflage to hunt their prey. When they are relatively close enough, Lionfish quickly open their jaws to snap up their prey. Lionfish always swallow their prey whole.

Lionfish are considered a delicacy in certain countries, on the other hand, in other countries they are prized mostly in the aquarium trade, mainly due to their spectacular looks. There are various types of Lionfish available in aquarium stores, but the Volitan Lionfish are considered the most popular, and are the ones usually kept. Lionfish are known to be peaceful, extremely tough and disease-resistant tank inhabitants that are well-matched for the intermediate saltwater aquarists. In the aquarium a Lionfish should be fed live shrimp and live fish for best results because they are voracious predators. A varied diet can keep them satisfied and healthy. Lionfish need a large well lit aquarium tank with the following water conditions: 75-79° F/24-26C and a salinity of 1.027. If you want to know more about how to set up an ideal Saltwater fish Tank go to Buzzle.com

Source: Aquatic Community