lion fish?

[Franklin]

Would it be ok to keep a dwarf lion in a reef tank? Also, are there any frozen alternatives to live feeding for this type of lion?
Thanks

[Reefland]

Hi Franklin,

Typically a dwarf lion will do fine in a reef tank, especially if they are fed well. I don't suspect you'll have any problems there.

On the feeding question, here is a link from a post Frank Marini made some time ago you'll find interesting.
Problem w/ getting a Dwarf Lion to eat.

[saltjunkie]

he wont be able to keep small invets, such as some crabs, and sckrimps..... or am i wrong?

[Reefland]

Some report problems, others don't. If you want to keep a lion in a reef, the dwarf lion is the best choice.

[Ninong]

he wont be able to keep small invets, such as some crabs, and sckrimps..... or am i wrong?

He definitely won't be able to keep shrimp. And he won't be able to keep any fish that fit into the lionfish's mouth, which will be a limiting factor when adding new fish once the lionfish has grown up.

You could say that it is reef-aquarium safe as far as corals are concerned but it will consume small crustaceans and small fish. And it may approach your arm when you are doing maintenance in the tank, unlike a Foxface Rabbitfish which hides when you stick your hand in the tank. And, of course, ALL lionfish are venomous!

Some folks have kept dwarf lionfish in large reeftanks but they seem like an awful lot of trouble if you ask me.