Russell's lionfish (Pterois russelii) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Plaintail turkeyfish, Largetail turkeyfish, Plaintail firefish, Russell's firefish, Spotless firefish, Spotless butterfly-cod
Family
Scorpaenidae (scorpionfishes and lionfishes)
Origin
Indo-Pacific, East Africa and the Persian Gulf to Japan and Australia, including the Red Sea; muddy estuaries, bays and quiet offshore reefs at 15–60 m.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
30 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
350 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
semi_aggressive

Care

A large lionfish with plain, unspotted tail fins. Provide caves, open swimming space and a sturdy lid. The 350-litre minimum is our estimate. Water figures given here are general marine aquarium guidance, not species-specific: 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4 and salinity SG 1.023–1.026, with stable, well-oxygenated water. Safety: the fin spines are venomous. A sting is extremely painful and can cause swelling, nausea and breathing difficulty. Use long-handled tools and a net or container, never bare hands, when working in the tank; if stung, immerse the wound in water as hot as can be tolerated and seek medical help. Solitary and only infrequently traded. The IUCN lists it as Least Concern. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pteroisrusselii). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Eats small fish, crabs and shrimps. Wean on to frozen prawn, krill, squid and fish pieces; feed adults every other day.

Breeding

Not covered in our sources; not bred in home aquaria.

Compatibility and tank mates

The list gives no reef-safe rating. It leaves corals alone but eats shrimps, crabs and small fish. Keep with large, robust fish.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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