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Goal #1: Establish a sustainable and visually appealing saltwater aquarium that replicates the lionfish's natural habitat.

Goal #2: Ensure the health and well-being of the lionfish by maintaining optimal water conditions and providing appropriate tankmates.

Goal #3: Educate others about the ecological impact of lionfish as an invasive species and promote responsible aquarium keeping.

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Common Name: Lionfish

Other Names: Turkeyfish, Zebrafish, Firefish, Red Lionfish

Scientific Name: Pterois volitans

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Snowflake Moray Eel (Echidna nebulosa): A hardy and non-aggressive species that can coexist with lionfish in larger tanks.

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Lionfish are semi-agressive to agressive predators. They should only be housed with larger, non-aggressive fish that they cannot swallow.

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Type: Saltwater

Facts about Saltwater Aquariums:

1. Requires stable salinity levels (specific gravity around 1.020–1.025).

2. Needs robust filtration systems to maintain water quality.

3. Should have strong water circulation to mimic ocean currents.

Natural Space: In the wild, lionfish inhabit coral reefs and rocky crevices, often with large swimming areas and hiding spots.

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Plants: Artificial corals or hardy marine plants (since lionfish are carnivores and don't graze on plants).

Houses: Rock caves and coral structures to mimic reef hiding places.

Typical Costs:

Artificial coral reefs: $25–$60 each

Rock caves/live rock: $5–$10 per pound

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Preferred Substrate: Fine aragonite sand (mimics reef floor, helps stabilize pH).

Cost: $20–$30 for a 20 lb bag.

Note: The substrate should be deep enough to allow for burrowing and to support live rock structures.

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Purpose: Mimics natural sunlight, supports live rock/corals, and highlights fish coloration.

Need: Yes, but lionfish don't require intense reef lighting. Moderate LED or fluorescent lighting is sufficient.

Duration: 8–10 hours per day.

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Purpose: Prevents fish from jumping, reduces water evaporation, and keeps dust/debris out.

Need: Yes — lionfish are known to jump occasionally.

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Natural Environment: 74–80°F (23–27°C).

Water Heater: Yes, unless room temperature is stable within this range.

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Best: Canister filter or sump filtration system.

Reason: Lionfish are messy eaters, and their tanks need strong biological and mechanical filtration.

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Minimum Tank Size: 50–75 gallons for one lionfish. Larger tanks (120+ gallons) are needed for multiple fish.

Note: Overcrowding can lead to stress and aggression.

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How They Get Air: Lionfish extract oxygen through gills like most fish.

Extra Needs: Strong water circulation and an air pump/protein skimmer help oxygenate the water.

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I chose the lionfish because I find them really fascinating and unique. Their appearance alone makes them stand out with their striped patterns and long spines, but what makes them even more interesting is how they hunt and survive. Even though they are beautiful, lionfish are also invasive in many areas and can cause a lot of damage to coral reef ecosystems. I think it’s important to learn about them because they show how a species can be both amazing and dangerous at the same time. My aquarium setup is designed to give the lionfish enough space, hiding spots, and the right water conditions to stay healthy. Since they are predators and messy eaters, I chose strong filtration and only larger, compatible tankmates. Overall, this tank is meant to highlight how incredible lionfish are, while also showing respect for how they live in the wild.

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Petco. "Lionfish Care: Aquarium Setup, Diet & More." https://www.petco.com/content/content-hub/home/articlePages/caresheets/lionfish.html

Wikipedia. "Lionfish." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lionfish

AlgaeBarn. "The Lionfish and Responsible Aquarium Keeping." https://www.algaebarn.com/blog/beginners/the-lionfish-and-responsible-aquarium-keeping/

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Large Angelfish (Pomacanthus species): Robust and territorial, these fish can share space with lionfish without direct conflict.

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Triggerfish (Balistidae family): Known for their strong personalities, they can tolerate the presence of lionfish.

It's important to avoid housing lionfish with smaller or more peaceful species, as they will become prey lol.