Lionfish Antennata (Pterois Antennata)
Antennata Lionfish (Pterois antennata)
The Antennata Lionfish, also known as the Ragged-finned Lionfish or Spot-finned Lionfish, is one of the most ornamental and "artistic" members of the scorpionfish family. While the common Volitans Lionfish is known for sheer size and power, the Antennata is prized for its unique, delicate fin filaments and its more manageable size, making it a favorite for "mid-sized" predator tanks.
Key Information
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Common Names: Antennata Lionfish, Ragged-finned Lionfish, Spot-finned Lion
-
Scientific Name: Pterois antennata
-
Origin: Indo-Pacific (East Africa to the Marquesas, north to Japan)
-
Max Size: 20 cm (approx. 8 inches)
-
Lifespan: 10–15 years
-
Temperament: Semi-aggressive (Peaceful but predatory)
-
Diet: Carnivore – Specialist in crustaceans and small fish
-
Care Level: Moderate (Due to venom risk and feeding)
The Venom Warning
Like all members of the Pterois genus, the Antennata possesses highly venomous spines in its dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins.
-
Safety: Never hand-feed this fish. When cleaning the tank, always keep track of the fish's location.
-
First Aid: A sting causes intense pain and swelling. Standard treatment involves immersing the affected area in hot water (43–45°C) to denature the venom proteins and seeking medical attention.
Appearance & Identification
The Antennata is easily distinguished from its cousins by its specific "ornamental" details:
-
The "Antennae": The pectoral fin rays are long, white, and un-webbed, resembling delicate feathers or antennae.
-
The Spots: Look for large, dark "eye-spots" or blotches on the membrane at the base of the pectoral fins.
-
Coloration: A beautiful pattern of alternating broad red/brown and thin white vertical stripes.
-
The Eyes: They often have tall, fringed "tentacles" (supraocular tentacles) above their eyes, adding to their exotic, "ragged" look.
Behaviour & Tank Compatibility
-
The Ambush Predator: This is not a "cruising" fish. It spends much of the day hanging upside down under ledges or perching on rocks, waiting for prey to swim by.
-
Reef Safe (with Caution): It is safe for corals. However, it will eat any shrimp, crabs, or small fish (like Gobies or Firefish) that can fit into its surprisingly large mouth.
-
Social Structure: They are generally solitary but can be kept with other Lionfish species in larger tanks.
-
Tank Mates: Best kept with large, peaceful-to-semi-aggressive fish that it cannot swallow. Think Large Angelfish, Tangs, and Foxfaces. Avoid "nippers" (like some Triggerfish or Puffers) that might bite the Lionfish’s delicate fin filaments.
Ideal Tank Setup
-
Tank Size: A minimum of 200L–285L (55–75 Gallons). They don't need massive swimming space, but they need high water volume to handle their waste.
-
Rockwork: Provide large caves and overhangs. In the wild, they are nocturnal and prefer to spend the daylight hours in the shadows.
-
Filtration: They are "messy" eaters. An oversized protein skimmer is essential to maintain the high water quality they require.
-
Feeding: This is often the hardest part. They may only accept live ghost shrimp initially. You will need to "wean" them onto frozen silversides, krill, or mysis using a feeding stick (never your hands!).
Why Choose the Antennata Lionfish?
The Antennata Lionfish is for the hobbyist who wants a "Centerpiece Predator" that looks like a piece of living coral. It offers all the presence and "wow factor" of a Lionfish without the massive 15-inch size of a Volitans.
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Lionfish Antennata (Pterois Antennata)
Lionfish Antennata (Pterois Antennata)
Antennata Lionfish (Pterois antennata)
The Antennata Lionfish, also known as the Ragged-finned Lionfish or Spot-finned Lionfish, is one of the most ornamental and "artistic" members of the scorpionfish family. While the common Volitans Lionfish is known for sheer size and power, the Antennata is prized for its unique, delicate fin filaments and its more manageable size, making it a favorite for "mid-sized" predator tanks.
Key Information
-
Common Names: Antennata Lionfish, Ragged-finned Lionfish, Spot-finned Lion
-
Scientific Name: Pterois antennata
-
Origin: Indo-Pacific (East Africa to the Marquesas, north to Japan)
-
Max Size: 20 cm (approx. 8 inches)
-
Lifespan: 10–15 years
-
Temperament: Semi-aggressive (Peaceful but predatory)
-
Diet: Carnivore – Specialist in crustaceans and small fish
-
Care Level: Moderate (Due to venom risk and feeding)
The Venom Warning
Like all members of the Pterois genus, the Antennata possesses highly venomous spines in its dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins.
-
Safety: Never hand-feed this fish. When cleaning the tank, always keep track of the fish's location.
-
First Aid: A sting causes intense pain and swelling. Standard treatment involves immersing the affected area in hot water (43–45°C) to denature the venom proteins and seeking medical attention.
Appearance & Identification
The Antennata is easily distinguished from its cousins by its specific "ornamental" details:
-
The "Antennae": The pectoral fin rays are long, white, and un-webbed, resembling delicate feathers or antennae.
-
The Spots: Look for large, dark "eye-spots" or blotches on the membrane at the base of the pectoral fins.
-
Coloration: A beautiful pattern of alternating broad red/brown and thin white vertical stripes.
-
The Eyes: They often have tall, fringed "tentacles" (supraocular tentacles) above their eyes, adding to their exotic, "ragged" look.
Behaviour & Tank Compatibility
-
The Ambush Predator: This is not a "cruising" fish. It spends much of the day hanging upside down under ledges or perching on rocks, waiting for prey to swim by.
-
Reef Safe (with Caution): It is safe for corals. However, it will eat any shrimp, crabs, or small fish (like Gobies or Firefish) that can fit into its surprisingly large mouth.
-
Social Structure: They are generally solitary but can be kept with other Lionfish species in larger tanks.
-
Tank Mates: Best kept with large, peaceful-to-semi-aggressive fish that it cannot swallow. Think Large Angelfish, Tangs, and Foxfaces. Avoid "nippers" (like some Triggerfish or Puffers) that might bite the Lionfish’s delicate fin filaments.
Ideal Tank Setup
-
Tank Size: A minimum of 200L–285L (55–75 Gallons). They don't need massive swimming space, but they need high water volume to handle their waste.
-
Rockwork: Provide large caves and overhangs. In the wild, they are nocturnal and prefer to spend the daylight hours in the shadows.
-
Filtration: They are "messy" eaters. An oversized protein skimmer is essential to maintain the high water quality they require.
-
Feeding: This is often the hardest part. They may only accept live ghost shrimp initially. You will need to "wean" them onto frozen silversides, krill, or mysis using a feeding stick (never your hands!).
Why Choose the Antennata Lionfish?
The Antennata Lionfish is for the hobbyist who wants a "Centerpiece Predator" that looks like a piece of living coral. It offers all the presence and "wow factor" of a Lionfish without the massive 15-inch size of a Volitans.
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
Antennata Lionfish (Pterois antennata)
The Antennata Lionfish, also known as the Ragged-finned Lionfish or Spot-finned Lionfish, is one of the most ornamental and "artistic" members of the scorpionfish family. While the common Volitans Lionfish is known for sheer size and power, the Antennata is prized for its unique, delicate fin filaments and its more manageable size, making it a favorite for "mid-sized" predator tanks.
Key Information
-
Common Names: Antennata Lionfish, Ragged-finned Lionfish, Spot-finned Lion
-
Scientific Name: Pterois antennata
-
Origin: Indo-Pacific (East Africa to the Marquesas, north to Japan)
-
Max Size: 20 cm (approx. 8 inches)
-
Lifespan: 10–15 years
-
Temperament: Semi-aggressive (Peaceful but predatory)
-
Diet: Carnivore – Specialist in crustaceans and small fish
-
Care Level: Moderate (Due to venom risk and feeding)
The Venom Warning
Like all members of the Pterois genus, the Antennata possesses highly venomous spines in its dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins.
-
Safety: Never hand-feed this fish. When cleaning the tank, always keep track of the fish's location.
-
First Aid: A sting causes intense pain and swelling. Standard treatment involves immersing the affected area in hot water (43–45°C) to denature the venom proteins and seeking medical attention.
Appearance & Identification
The Antennata is easily distinguished from its cousins by its specific "ornamental" details:
-
The "Antennae": The pectoral fin rays are long, white, and un-webbed, resembling delicate feathers or antennae.
-
The Spots: Look for large, dark "eye-spots" or blotches on the membrane at the base of the pectoral fins.
-
Coloration: A beautiful pattern of alternating broad red/brown and thin white vertical stripes.
-
The Eyes: They often have tall, fringed "tentacles" (supraocular tentacles) above their eyes, adding to their exotic, "ragged" look.
Behaviour & Tank Compatibility
-
The Ambush Predator: This is not a "cruising" fish. It spends much of the day hanging upside down under ledges or perching on rocks, waiting for prey to swim by.
-
Reef Safe (with Caution): It is safe for corals. However, it will eat any shrimp, crabs, or small fish (like Gobies or Firefish) that can fit into its surprisingly large mouth.
-
Social Structure: They are generally solitary but can be kept with other Lionfish species in larger tanks.
-
Tank Mates: Best kept with large, peaceful-to-semi-aggressive fish that it cannot swallow. Think Large Angelfish, Tangs, and Foxfaces. Avoid "nippers" (like some Triggerfish or Puffers) that might bite the Lionfish’s delicate fin filaments.
Ideal Tank Setup
-
Tank Size: A minimum of 200L–285L (55–75 Gallons). They don't need massive swimming space, but they need high water volume to handle their waste.
-
Rockwork: Provide large caves and overhangs. In the wild, they are nocturnal and prefer to spend the daylight hours in the shadows.
-
Filtration: They are "messy" eaters. An oversized protein skimmer is essential to maintain the high water quality they require.
-
Feeding: This is often the hardest part. They may only accept live ghost shrimp initially. You will need to "wean" them onto frozen silversides, krill, or mysis using a feeding stick (never your hands!).
Why Choose the Antennata Lionfish?
The Antennata Lionfish is for the hobbyist who wants a "Centerpiece Predator" that looks like a piece of living coral. It offers all the presence and "wow factor" of a Lionfish without the massive 15-inch size of a Volitans.
