Clearfin Lionfish

About

The clearfin lionfish (Pterois radiata) is one of the more distinctive members of the lionfish family, identifiable by the bold white horizontal lines running along its pectoral and dorsal spines against a dark reddish-brown body. Unlike many of its relatives, the fin rays are largely clear, which gives the species its common name and sets it apart from the more commonly kept volitans lionfish at a glance. In the wild, this species ranges across a broad stretch of the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea down toward South Africa and east to the Society Islands. It tends to favor rocky reef structures, tucking itself under ledges and into narrow crevices during daylight hours rather than frequenting coral-heavy areas. Its natural diet is almost exclusively small crustaceans, particularly crabs and shrimp, so expect some negotiation at feeding time when transitioning it to frozen or prepared foods in captivity. Clearfin lionfish are generally quiet, slow-moving fish that spend a good deal of time perched on rockwork or simply resting. Newly introduced specimens often disappear into the aquascape for days, which is perfectly normal. Like all lionfish, the dorsal spines carry venom capable of causing serious pain, so careful handling is a must. This is a rewarding species for keepers who appreciate a fish with genuine personality and presence.