Clearfin Lionfish

Clearfin Lionfish

Description of the Clearfin Lionfish
The Clearfin Lionfish is also commonly known as the Tailbar Lionfish, Radiata Lionfish, Clearfin Turkeyfish, Whitelined Lionfish and Radial Firefish. It is a beautiful fish but its spines are venomous and can inflict a painful sting! They are a rare fish in the home aquarium as they are expensive and very sought after. They are mainly nocturnal and you will need to provide them with somewhere in the tank where they can hide.

Profile of the Clearfin Lionfish
This Profile contains interesting facts and information about the Clearfin Lionfish species.

• Size: Up to 24cm

• Fish Tank conditions: PH 8.1 - 8.4. Temp 25 to 28 Degrees

• Diet / Feeding: Frozen Mysis Shrimp and Crab

• Temperament: Best to place in pairs, not advised to place with smaller fish such as Damsels or clownfish

• Habitat: Reef Dwellers at depths of up to 30m

• Behaviour: Good Community Fish

• Range: Indian Ocean , Western Pacific and Red Sea

Scientific Classification of the Clearfin Lionfish
Definition: Scientific classification, or biological classification, is how biologists group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the science of taxonomy.

• Species: Pterois radiata

• Popular Name: Clearfin Lionfish - Tailbar Lionfish - Radiata Lionfish - Radial Firefish - Clearfin Turkeyfish - Whitelined Lionfish

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Actinopterygii

• Order: Scorpaeniformes

• Family: Scorpaenidae

Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a Clearfin Lionfish?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist!

Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Clearfin Lionfish slimy?
Clearfin Lionfish secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Clearfin Lionfish to move through the water faster. Some fish species also release toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish species use their slime to feed their young.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do Clearfin Lionfish have gills?
Gills enable the Clearfin Lionfish to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do the Clearfin Lionfish have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function:

• Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Clearfin Lionfish has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Clearfin Lionfish has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Clearfin Lionfish has Caudal fins to propel through the water.

• Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Clearfin Lionfish has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement

Interesting Facts and Information about Clearfin Lionfish