Miles Lionfish - Pterois miles

Miles Lionfish (Pterois miles)

The Miles Lionfish (Pterois miles) is a dramatic marine predator recognised by its broad fan-like pectoral fins, elongated venomous spines and contrasting red-brown, cream and white bands. Also known as the Devil Firefish or Indian Lionfish, it originates from the Red Sea and tropical Indian Ocean, where it inhabits coastal reefs, rocky areas and sheltered habitats. Although generally slow-moving and composed, it is an efficient ambush predator that will consume smaller fish and crustaceans, making it best suited to a large, carefully planned predator aquarium.

Common Name:
Miles Lionfish, Devil Firefish, Indian Lionfish, Common Lionfish, Red Sea Lionfish

Scientific Name (Latin):
Pterois miles

Maximum Size:
Up to approximately 43 cm in total length. Its extended fins and spines give it an even greater visual presence, so generous swimming and turning space is essential.

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Native to the western Indian Ocean, including the Red Sea, Persian Gulf and East African coastline, extending eastwards towards Sumatra, Indonesia. It has also spread through the Suez Canal into parts of the eastern Mediterranean.

The species inhabits coastal reefs, rocky areas, lagoons, muddy habitats, caves and sheltered ledges from very shallow water to depths of approximately 85 metres. During daylight hours, individuals often rest beneath overhangs or close to structure before becoming more active during lower-light periods.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: 1.020–1.025 SG

Temperament:
Predatory and semi-aggressive. The Miles Lionfish is usually calm towards robust fish that are too large to swallow, but it has an exceptionally large mouth and can consume surprisingly substantial prey.

Small fish, slender species, ornamental shrimps and crabs are at considerable risk. Avoid aggressive fin-nipping fish that may damage its extended fins or repeatedly harass it.

Diet:
A strict carnivore that naturally feeds on smaller fish and crustaceans.

In the aquarium, provide a varied diet of chopped prawn, mussel, clam, squid, krill and pieces of marine fish. Foods should be enriched with marine vitamins where practical.

Newly imported specimens may initially recognise only moving prey. They should be trained gradually onto dead marine-origin foods using feeding tongs or by moving food gently in the current. Avoid routine feeding of live freshwater feeder fish, as these are nutritionally unsuitable and may introduce parasites or disease.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum aquarium volume of approximately 750 litres is recommended for a single adult, with a substantially larger system preferred when it is housed with other large marine fish.

The aquarium must provide wide open areas for turning and swimming, together with large caves, ledges and shaded retreats.

Behaviour & Activity:
Usually slow-moving and deliberate, spending much of the day resting beneath overhangs, beside rockwork or inside large caves.

It becomes more active during feeding and in lower light, using its broad pectoral fins to corner prey before striking rapidly. Despite its relaxed appearance, it is capable of sudden bursts of speed.

The fish may rest vertically or upside down beneath ledges, which is normal behaviour. It often becomes increasingly confident after acclimatisation and may approach the front of the aquarium when food is expected.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe with Caution

The Miles Lionfish does not normally consume healthy coral tissue, but it is unsuitable for most conventional reef communities. Small reef fish, ornamental shrimps, crabs and other mobile invertebrates may be eaten.

Its large adult size and expansive fins can also disturb unsecured coral pieces or rockwork. It is best maintained in a spacious fish-only, fish-only-with-live-rock or robust predator aquarium.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
The dorsal, pelvic and anal spines are highly venomous and can cause an extremely painful and potentially serious sting. Never handle the fish directly, and take exceptional care during aquarium cleaning, aquascaping and capture.

All household members and anyone maintaining the aquarium should be informed of the risk. In the event of a sting, seek prompt medical advice.

Provide powerful biological filtration, efficient protein skimming, strong oxygenation and stable water chemistry. Large carnivorous fish produce a considerable waste load, especially when fed shellfish and other meaty foods.

Rockwork must be secure and arranged to provide broad caves and shaded resting areas without restricting movement. Avoid narrow gaps where the fish or its extended spines could become trapped.

Select tank mates according to body depth as well as length. Any fish capable of fitting inside the lionfish’s mouth should be considered potential prey.

Feed controlled portions several times per week rather than excessively feeding every day. Overfeeding can contribute to obesity, fatty deposits and declining water quality.

A secure aquarium cover is recommended. Although not a frequent jumper, a startled specimen may leap from an uncovered system.

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.