Dwarf Lionfish

**xXBassAckwrdsXx** · 03-09-2012, 12:52 PM

So a friend told me about his friend whom of which is selling a Dwarf Lionfish (Not sure of the exact species) and I was wondering if it would be a good idea to buy. I've been researching lionfish and I think it would be pretty doable and a nice addition to my tank. My worry is if it would be dangerous to my other fish. The one in particular is a juvenile Purple Firefish Goby. Would the Lionfish go for this fish, because I don't want it being eaten, it's probably the favorite part of my aquarium. I also have two juvenile Bangaii Cardinals, but they're a little bigger, so I'm more concerned for the Goby. I read that the Lionfish is a shy/docile fish, but also that it's a predator, so I have no clue what to do. On the plus side of not getting it, my other fish are not at risk, and I save $60 so...idk

**Lady Hobbs** · 03-09-2012, 01:07 PM

Saltwater, right? Will move to correct forum.

**smaug** · 03-09-2012, 01:25 PM

Look at the size of the lions mouth. If it fits it gets eaten. How big is your tank and what is your stock list?

**Cliff** · 03-09-2012, 01:36 PM

By looking at your blog, you have a 15 gallon tank with live rock and some smaller and medium sized fish already

I would not add a dwarf lionfish to your set-up. They can be some-what aggressive and most of your fish are peaceful. Not a good match IMO. I would say you tank is currently overstocked so adding anything else would not be a good idea

**Surfdog** · 03-11-2012, 07:21 PM

Your tank is way to small. Dwarf lion is 33G minimum, with them being sole occupent. Don't let the word Dwarf lull you into believing it will stay small. It will grow and as mentioned, fit's in mouth, it will be eaten, unless your other fish are fast swimmer's with ;lots of rocks to hide in. These are very dirty fish in regards to Nitrate production as well.

**ILuvMyGoldBarb** · 03-11-2012, 09:57 PM

I'll throw my hat in with the rest. Not only is your tank too small, the fish in it will become lunch for the lion.

**xXBassAckwrdsXx** · 03-12-2012, 12:56 PM

Originally Posted by Cliff

By looking at your blog, you have a 15 gallon tank with live rock and some smaller and medium sized fish already

I would not add a dwarf lionfish to your set-up. They can be some-what aggressive and most of your fish are peaceful. Not a good match IMO. I would say you tank is currently overstocked so adding anything else would not be a good idea

3 fish is overstocked??

**sheamurai** · 03-12-2012, 01:06 PM

Saltwater fish generally need more room than freshwater. Its harder to keep good parameters in a SW tank, so lower stocking levels also help keep the tank stabilized.

I have 6 fish in my 50gal (two of them small) and consider that a touch overstocked. I'd really like to get rid of that damsel...

**Cliff** · 03-12-2012, 01:36 PM

Originally Posted by xXBassAckwrdsXx

3 fish is overstocked??

It's not the number of fish as much as it is the type of fish. The two Bangaii Cardinals you have would need at least a 29 gallon tank as a bare minimum (40 gallon would be best). A 15 gallon is just too small for them long term.

Also, as Sheamuri has stated, SW fish do tend to need more room