Antennata Lionfish - Pterois antennata

Antennata Lionfish (Pteropterus antennatus)

The Antennata Lionfish, Pteropterus antennatus, is a striking Indo-Pacific predator recognised by its broad red-brown body bands, fan-like pectoral fins, long dorsal spines and distinctive tentacles above the eyes. Still widely traded under its former scientific name, Pterois antennata, it is also known as the Spotfin Lionfish, Broadbarred Firefish or Ragged-finned Firefish. This nocturnal ambush hunter spends the day sheltering beneath reef ledges before emerging to feed on small fish and crustaceans. Although it does not normally eat coral tissue, its venomous spines and strongly predatory nature make it suitable only for carefully planned marine aquariums managed by experienced fishkeepers.

Common Name:
Antennata Lionfish, Spotfin Lionfish, Broadbarred Firefish, Ragged-finned Firefish, Antennata Firefish.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Pteropterus antennatus

Formerly and still widely listed in the aquarium trade as Pterois antennata.

Maximum Size:
Usually around 18–20 cm when fully grown.

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Widely distributed throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific, from East Africa and the western Indian Ocean eastwards to the Marquesas and Mangareva Islands, north to southern Japan and south to Queensland, Australia, the Kermadec Islands and the Austral Islands. Antennata Lionfish inhabit coral and rocky reefs, lagoons, reef flats and seaward reef slopes, where they commonly shelter beneath ledges, inside caves and among coral structures during daylight hours.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Hardness or Salinity: Marine salinity 1.023–1.026 specific gravity; stable salinity, strong oxygenation, efficient filtration and consistently good water quality are important.

Temperament:
Predatory, solitary and moderately territorial. The Antennata Lionfish is generally calm towards fish that are too large to swallow, but it will consume smaller fish and ornamental crustaceans. It may also become territorial towards other lionfish or similarly shaped predators, particularly in confined aquariums. Tank mates must be selected according to the lionfish’s eventual mouth size rather than their size at introduction.

Diet:
Obligate carnivore and ambush predator. In the wild, this species feeds primarily on small reef fish, shrimps and other crustaceans, hunting most actively around dusk and during the night. In the aquarium, offer whole or chopped marine prawns, shrimp, krill, silversides, lancefish, mussels, squid and other vitamin-enriched marine foods. Newly imported fish may initially require live marine shrimp or moving food presented with feeding tongs, but they should be gradually trained onto suitable frozen or fresh marine foods. Avoid freshwater feeder fish, mammalian meat and excessive feeding.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum aquarium volume of approximately 300 litres is recommended for one adult, with a broad footprint, substantial shelter and adequate open swimming space. Larger accommodation is required when keeping it with other sizeable predatory fish.

Behaviour & Activity:
A slow-moving ambush predator that commonly rests beneath overhangs, inside caves or against rockwork during brighter daylight periods. Activity usually increases under subdued lighting and after dark, when the fish moves into open areas to hunt. It may spread its large pectoral fins to corner prey before swallowing it whole. Antennata Lionfish can become accustomed to their keeper and may approach the front of the aquarium at feeding time.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe with Caution

Antennata Lionfish do not normally consume coral tissue or damage established corals. However, they are unsafe with ornamental shrimps, small crabs and any fish that can fit inside their expandable mouth. Their broad fins and deliberate movements may also brush against or disturb loosely secured corals.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
The dorsal, anal and pelvic spines are venomous and can deliver an extremely painful sting. Never handle the fish directly, and use long tools when carrying out aquarium maintenance. Know the fish’s location before placing hands in the aquarium, particularly around caves and shaded rockwork. A sting should be treated as a medical incident and professional medical advice should be sought.

Provide large caves, overhangs and shaded resting areas alongside open swimming space. Avoid highly aggressive tank mates that may bite the lionfish’s fins, as well as small or slender fish that may be swallowed. Protect pump intakes and ensure rockwork is firmly secured. Use feeding tongs rather than hand-feeding, and offer controlled meals several times per week once fully grown, as overfeeding can lead to obesity, digestive problems and poor water quality.

Suitable for:
Experienced fishkeepers

Availability:
Occasional in trade

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.