Radiata Lion - Pterois Radiata

Radiata Lion (Pterois Radiata)

The Radiata Lion is a striking marine predator recognised for its bold red, white and dark banding, dramatic fan-like pectoral fins and long radiating fin rays. Its elegant appearance makes it one of the most distinctive lionfish available for marine aquariums. Although generally calm towards fish too large to swallow, it is an ambush predator and requires careful tankmate selection, secure aquascaping and experienced handling due to its venomous spines.

Common Name:
Radiata Lion, Radiata Lionfish, Clearfin Lionfish

Scientific Name (Latin):
Pterois Radiata

Maximum Size:
Approximately 20–24 cm

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Radiata Lion occurs throughout tropical Indo-Pacific reef environments and is associated with coral reefs, rocky ledges, caves and sheltered reef slopes.

It typically spends much of the day resting beneath overhangs or close to reef structure before becoming more active when hunting.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Nitrate: Low and stable
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

Temperament:
Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive / Predatory

The Radiata Lion is generally calm towards suitably sized tankmates and is not normally territorial in the same way as many aggressive marine fish.

However, any fish or crustacean small enough to fit into its mouth may be viewed as prey.

Diet:
Carnivore / Ambush Predator

The Radiata Lion naturally feeds on small fish and crustaceans.

In the aquarium, offer a varied diet including pieces of prawn, shrimp, squid, mussel and other suitably sized marine foods.

Newly introduced specimens may initially prefer live foods, but they should gradually be encouraged onto frozen or prepared marine foods.

Avoid excessive feeding, as lionfish can readily become overweight when given large meals too frequently.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 300 litres

A spacious aquarium with substantial rockwork, caves and open areas is recommended.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Radiata Lion is a relatively slow-moving ambush predator that often spends daylight hours resting beneath overhangs, around caves or close to rockwork.

It becomes more active around feeding periods and during quieter times.

Its large pectoral fins are used to help corner and direct prey before striking.

Provide plenty of open room around the aquascape so the extended fins can move freely without damage.

Reef Safe:
With Caution

The Radiata Lion does not normally damage healthy coral tissue and can be kept in coral-containing aquariums from that perspective.

However, ornamental shrimp, small crabs and suitably sized fish may be eaten.

For this reason, it is best considered reef safe with caution rather than completely reef safe.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
The Radiata Lion possesses venomous dorsal, anal and pelvic fin spines and should never be handled directly.

Extra care must be taken during aquarium maintenance, aquascaping and transfer.

Tankmates should be selected according to mouth size rather than body length alone, as surprisingly large prey may be swallowed.

Avoid highly aggressive fish that may nip at the lionfish's extended fins.

Provide secure caves, overhangs and sheltered areas together with sufficient open space.

Strong filtration and good oxygenation are important, as carnivorous fish can create a substantial biological load.

New specimens should be monitored carefully to ensure they begin feeding consistently and transition onto suitable non-live foods where necessary.

Suitable for:
Experienced

Availability:
Availability can vary depending on season, collection area and supplier.

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.