sick lionfish... Blinded by the light, poor env., no reading    8/20/08
Just under a year ago my boyfriend got a Red Volitans Lionfish. About two weeks ago he was feeding them, the piece the lionfish was a little to
<too>
big. At first it look like the top of his jaw was dislocated revealing bone underneath. His jaw looks like it is back to normal now but he is refusing to eat. The food is put in front of him but he shows almost no interest. A few days ago we noticed him swimming in circles constantly with his fins completely spread out. I noticed when he tries to swim he bumps into things (rock and the glass) with his nose.
<Mmm... symptomatic of light-caused blindness...>
Occasionally he swims upside down also. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated we desperately want to save this fish. He is in a 55 gallon tank.
<Way too small>
Temperature is at 69.6.
<Really too low>
My boyfriend says he checked all the other levels and they are fine. The lionfish is in a tank with a Snowflake Eel and Basslet and the other two fish are acting normal.
<... This fish needs a better world... and you need to read, follow directions before writing us: http://wetwebmedia.com/liondisfaqs.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>

Lion in QT, Crypt conundrum    8/14//08
Crew,
I've had a large lion in a 55-gallon QT for 6 weeks now. He went in appearing completely "clean" but developed white spots on the fins during the third week (hooray for QT!).
<I'll say!>
I performed a pH and temperature-adjusted freshwater dip (he did NOT enjoy that) and the spots cleared up within a day or two and have not reappeared...yet. I've been performing roughly 30% water changes about once a week,
<Mmm... should do daily>
paying particular attention to vacuuming every inch of the bare bottom of the tank. Although, at this point, I'm kind of at a loss for how to proceed. I've read every QT\crypt FAQ on WWM and can't seem to glean a solid direction to take with this specimen. Copper treatment is a potential avenue but I get dramatically conflicting recommendations on it's use with this species all over WWM, not to mention hyposalinity. Answers to the following should help me along:
1. What is the definitive answer on copper treatment of this pseudo-scaleless fish? Can lionfish handle copper treatment at the necessary dosage to eradicate crypt from the QT tank?
<Lions/Scorpaeniforms don't "like" copper exposure... I'd rate them a 3... or a 7 on a scale of ten, depending on which end is which... in terms of tolerance. In wholesale practice, they're treated the "same as other general fishes"...>
2. Is it possible to produce a crypt-free specimen from a QT tank that has hosted the parasite but has not had any chemical treatments?
<Mmm, possible, yes... probable... not w/o treatment>
Another way to phrase the question is...Since the fish has already presented with crypt in QT, can the lion be considered "clean" if it lasts six weeks without visible reinfestation and nothing but water changes, good vacuuming, and a periodic freshwater dip have been employed?
<Mmm, no... too likely there are embedded trophonts, missed tomonts...>
I have a 150-gallon display that has gone fallow for nine months and I really don't want to reintroduce crypt by making the wrong decisions with this lion in QT. Please assist and, as always, thank you for your valued advice.
Fred Warren
<At the very least, I'd do another FW bath, with aeration, formalin moving this animal enroute to the main tank. Otherwise I might go a "quinine" treatment route/regimen here over copper... Bob Fenner>

Lionfish gone berserk!   8/1/08
Hi Crew,
I suspect its too late to save my poor fish, but I'd like your advice. Tonight I noticed my Volitans Lionfish swimming violently in circles, flying out of the water (there's a top on the tank so he didn't get far) until he finally ran out of steam, jammed himself in the rocks and lay upside down.
<Yeeikes!>
At first I thought he'd declared war on the coral beauty, but he lay there for a while, righted himself and then a few minutes later, started the process all over again, and again, and again. There is some surface abrasions on his left side (from scraping across the rocks I think) but they are very shallow-- no meat is showing. There's no sign of ick or other diseases, no discoloration. His fins are full and normal, eyes clear. Other than breathing a bit fast and his berserk behavior, nothing at all appears wrong except that he's obviously getting weaker and has started to struggle near the surface. He did refuse food two days ago when I went to feed him, which I thought odd because he's normally a veracious eater. All other fish in the tank are understandably hiding (I would too if something with venomous fins was careening around my home like a cat with it's tail on fire), but otherwise they appear healthy and normal.
Tank specs: FOWLR
ph: 7.8,
<A bit low>
Ammonia, Nitrites, Nitrates: 0 Salt 1.023. Temp: 80-82
90 gallon overflow with a 40 gallon sump. Turboflotor skimmer, and
powerheads to facilitate vigorous water circulation. About 150 #
life rock and another 150 of coral sand.
Co-inhabitants include:
1 Blue Tang
1 coral beauty
1 snowflake moray
1 ocellaris clown (in the sump, so the lionfish won't eat him!)
1 green brittle star (yes, the dreaded "green death", but I give him a chunk of food weekly and he minds his manners)
<A 'chunk' of what?>
2 chocolate chip stars
2 pencil urchins
assorted crabs and snails.
The tank has been running for almost a year as is (upgraded from an established 55 gallon tank that was about 4 years old). Other than a troublesome maroon clown I isolated briefly in the sump about three months ago, I've made no additions to the tank. The listed fish and critters, including the Lionfish, have been together for at least 3 years. The last water change was about two weeks ago. I haven't changed any of the set up except for regular maintenance (water changes, cleaning the glass, etc) in many months. His diet consists of: Formula 1, Formula 2, shrimp, squid, mussels, scallops and seaweed he steals from the tang. All are commercial preparations for fish or raw seafood intended for human consumption. He and the tang occasionally face off for dictatorship of the tank but its never progressed to violence and the surface abrasions on his side do not appear deep enough for the tang to have inflicted them (she got me once with her switch-blade, so I know. Ouch.).
<Yes... very!>
Is it possible that he swallowed a hermit crab shell or the pea-size gravel and it has become impacted?
<Yes>
He's never been overly finicky about what he scarfs down, although his stomach appears normal, not bloated or concave.
Also, the temperature in the tank fluctuates from 80 at night to 82 during the day when the lights are on and has been doing so all summer. Might this cause problems?
<Mmm, no, not likely... and the rest of your livestock you report as fine...>
I know it can/does with corals, but I always figured the chocolate chip stars would curl up their toes long before any of the fish were effected.
I hate loosing a fish to disease, misfortune or my own stupidity, but worse I find are the mysterious deaths. Any suggests on how I might save this fish, or at least avoid a repeat. Thanks so much for your help. I consult your website all the time and would be entirely lost without it.
Thanks,
BC.
<There is indeed something mysterious at play here... like you say, perhaps something lodged in this fish's GI tract... Perhaps a form of "madness"... the tank is perhaps too crowded psycho- and physio-logically... I would try increasing aeration, and try to be patient... If you had another system that's empty, I might move this Lion there... for a few reasons... including reducing it damaging itself, and avoiding pollution should it die suddenly. Bob Fenner>

Attention Bob Fenner: Re: Lionfish gone berserk!  8/03/08
Hi Bob,
Thank you for the email. For some reason it didn't get routed to my email account until Sunday....
<Dang computers!>
In any case, by this morning the lion fish had broken and shredded most of his fins, and the currents in the tank were blowing him around. He lay upside down, hardly breathing, except when he noticed me, he'd sort of struggle pathetically in my direction. I just couldn't stand to see him suffer like that anymore. After much hand wringing I pulled him out this afternoon (in a large Tupper ware container) and put him in the freezer for a "humane" death. He didn't even fight for a second when I captured him (I've captured him with this method before and lord did he throw a tantrum). I suspect he would have been dead by tonight, and as you said, I didn't want him to die while I was out and pollute the tank, nor to suffer for so long. That and no other fish in the tank would feed while he was there.
<I would have done the same>
I did consider isolating him in a quarantine tank (an unused trash can) but I was understandably leery of trying to catch him when he was going nuts. Later, when he was so weak, I feared placing him in a totally black container (because obviously I would have had to put the lid on) would have stressed him out a good deal more than he already was...?
<Likely too far gone>
There never was any sign of infection. And he always spun around on his left side, never his right, so I suspect it was something he swallowed. Thanks for your suggestions. It's at least reassuring to know it probably wasn't anything stupid I did.
Thanks,
BC.
<If it will grant you solace, I would grossly dissect this fish (after defrosting...) to see if indeed something was stuck in it digestive tract>
FYI: the brittle star gets a chunk of whatever I'm feeding everyone else: shrimp, mussel, squid, or formula 1 & 11.
<Ahh!>
As far as the Ph being at 7.8. I know its a bit low, but I've never been able to get it higher. I've tried baking soda as your site suggests but the crusty residue it left in the water aging tanks actually killed the circulation pump, and even then, it hardly effected the PH--and I put in a ton.
<And baking soda by itself (sodium bicarbonate) won't raise the pH past this point... requires a source of carbonate. Do see WWM re pH, alkalinity. Bob Fenner>

Treating Ick on a Volitans Lion  6/27/08
Hello Crew and thanks in advance for your help,
<Welcome in time>
I recently (yesterday) got back from a trip to Key West for my cousins wedding.
<Ah, the Conch Republic... what a place!>
(Poor me right! ; )) While I was gone I was lucky enough to have a friend watching my tanks for me who is a fellow hobbyist on a temporary financially imposed hiatus.
<I do like this desc.... am going to apply it in talking about myself>
Unfortunately my Volitans Lion came down with a nasty case of Ick which I have to admit is probably my fault (stress). Fatty (my lion) was the first of my fish to be transferred to my "new" 75 gallon display. The tank was cycled for 5 weeks with pre established live sand (3-4" deep) from my and my friend (the one watching my tanks) old tanks that were still running that the time. After the tests all came out with zero readings I introduced 20 lbs of "pre-cured" live rock (bought from 2 different trusted LFS) along with 5 lbs of LR from my already established 25 gal., and left tank to cycle/cure for another three weeks (tested again). Equipment is one Fluval 4 plus (seeded filter media), 2 Koralia 1 power heads, and a 200W Jager heater. At this point I added roughly 20 small mixed snails (Cerith, turbo, Nassarius) and 4 or 5 blue legged hermits
<Your Lion may swallow any/all of these in time...>
along with Fatty (about two weeks before vacation to Key West). During the transfer Fatty scraped him self on some LR while trying to flee the specimen container, but I dosed some vitamin C and he looked fine in a few days. Sorry if I'm being long winded here, but here the question/advice needed part. I have a five gallon bucket, 10 gallon tank, and another 25 gallon tank to use for the FW dip, chemical med dip/HT, and QT while I let the 75 gallon go fallow for the next couple months. My plan of attack was to do a FW dip (adjusted PH, Alk, etc.)
in the bucket, then transfer fatty to the 10 gallon hospital tank for a medication period, and then finally to the 25 gallon QT for the remainder of the fallow period. For the medication I have some Quick Cure already from a FW Ick out break a few years ago, but I'm hesitant to use it given that lions are scale-less fish (at least I think they are)
<Do have fine scales, but you are right in that they are more than usually sensitive to copper and formalin>
and it's a harsher medication. From my research I see that Formalin 3 is highly suggested in the FAQ's, so do you think I should spend the extra $ and get it (or something else) instead of the Quick Cure I already have? Thank you again for your help, and continued dedication to this amazing hobby.
Thanks,
Darren Cothern
<I would first try just adding the Quick Cure (it has formalin as well) to the dip/bath solution... at appropriate strength (see WWM re)... enroute to transferring the Lion, vacuuming the 25 tank bottom daily (to remove tomites)... to see if this "does it"... Should be able to see w/in a week... Bob Fenner>

Phase-2…For My 200-Gallon FOWLR System (Lionfish Medication/Dipping) – 06/24/08
Sirs,
<<Ladies here too…but just “Crew” is fine. Now, how may I help?>>
My 200-gallon FOWLER system is entering into Phase 2 of its "life" after a catastrophic overnight power failure a year ago which shutdown pumps and dropped the temperature close to 10 degrees for about 8 hours.
<<Mmm, am sorry to hear…and can relate. I suffered a similar catastrophe (an anoxic event) on a larger 375g reef system just about a year ago, myself>>
All fish survived the initial incident but succumbed to an opportunistic ich infestation over the next week.
<<Stress kills in many ways>>
Lesson learned and now the tank is Internet connected and immediately reports its status in the event of any alarm conditions.
<<Excellent… Learning and taking action from our mistakes is the responsible thing to do>>
Happily, "Phase 2" kicks off with yesterday's purchase of the first specimen of size since the power failure...a gorgeous 10" tank-raised Volitans lion.
<<Magnificent creatures indeed>>
He is currently in a 55-gallon quarantine setup and doing quite well. My questions to you relate to your impression of the display tank's state and the necessity of certain sterilization tactics while the lion is in quarantine.
<<Okay>>
The large display system has been supporting only a 1.5" percula clown,
<<Won’t be “safe” with the 10 Lion…as I’m sure you are aware>>
a 6" marine beta (in the refugium), and an assortment of invertebrates, including a Chocolate Chip Star, two Serpent Stars, and several dozen hermit crabs for more than 9 months. With this extremely light load over such a long period of time, would you consider this tank to have essentially gone fallow?
<<Nope, fallow means “fishless”…period>>
Or does even the existence of the clown and the beta in the system present an inherent risk?
<<These fishes presence means the protozoa is still likely “present” in the system, yes>>
Neither has ever exhibited any signs of disease since I've had them.
<<The risk may well be low…and to be sure, few hobbyists’ systems are ever “totally” protozoan/parasite free…and even then, not for long>>
Let me know if you think it would make sense to section off a portion of the quarantine tank and add the clown and beta for the duration of the lion's quarantine period to create a truly fallow display tank.
<<Would need 6-8 weeks for such. Since these other fish have not displayed symptoms for nine months as you say, I would be inclined to leave as is and simply add the Lionfish at the end of its quarantine period>>
My second question relates to the need for potentially stressful preventative sterilization techniques in what appears to be a remarkably healthy specimen. This lion is truly a masterpiece…he hasn't a single tear of his delicate "wings," his anal fins are completely transparent and crystal clear, his eyes are smooth, glassy, and inquisitive, and his mood is relaxed and content.
<<Sounds like a very nice and well adjusted specimen>>
I would hate to put undo strain on this fellow in the way of dips or preventive medications if I really don't have to.
<<Me too…and I would not do so>>
If I keep him in quarantine for at least a month without dips or chemical treatments and I observe nothing notable about his appearance or behavior, can I safely consider him "sterile" enough not to reintroduce something like ich back into the system?
<<Is never a certainty but… yes>>
Or do you consider certain treatments absolutely necessary to ensure a reliably clean specimen? Please share your thoughts.
<<Prophylactic dips going in to/coming out of quarantine (or even “in place of” for certain specimens) can be very useful, even life-saving…but not with all situations or species. You are in the best position to decide…but I would not medicate or dip this particular Lionfish specimen unless certain it was needed (and then with extreme care/half dosages)…which does not seem to be the case here>>
Thank you for offering your time as fantastic resources for questions like these.
Fred Warren
<<We are happy to assist, Fred. Have you been through the plethora of information/queries we have on this popular family of fishes? Do start here, and read among the links at the top of the page (http://www.wetwebmedia.com/lions&rels.htm). Regards, Eric Russell>>

Lionfish Blind? 05/19/08
Hi Crew,
Fish have been doing great lately until now. My lionfish I think has gone blind. It started a few weeks ago when we noticed what looked like a clear lens peeling off the fishes one eye. Never clouded up but as time went on his eye developed a large clear bubble over it and now he hasn't eaten in 2 weeks and he just swims in circles counter clockwise and if he bumps into anything he freaks out. He still looks great and breathing is nice and easy. Not sure what I should do? I leave the lights out? I don't think he's going to make it but I would like to know what I'm dealing with? I've read your articles and other questions that people have asked but couldn't find any to match what I'm going through. Thanks In Advance.
<Lionfish blindness is quite common... can be resultant from too-bright lighting, physical trauma, nutritional deficiency.... What is/are the contributing factor/s here? Fixing these is the only route to a cure. Bob Fenner>

Re: Lionfish Blind? 05/20/08
He died this morning but I think it was from not eating. I had him in a 135 gallon long with 2 compacts 196 watts each. Would just actinic light be better in the future?
<Mmm, no... better to have "overhangs" of rockwork and such... darkened areas for these fishes choosing to get out of the light period>
Also from what I read I was feeding him to much I think. 2 silversides a day.
<Not a good strict diet... likely this is/was more a matter of avitaminoses than over-lighting>
Never no live food just silversides. Thanks for making me abit wiser.
<Glad to share, help save other fishes lives, vitality. Bob Fenner>

Issue with Lion... Feeding et al...   4/26/08
Hello WWM Crew,
Have an issue with a newly added a 6” Lion. I checked the site for more detail but looks like my issue is a bit more unique.
I added a Lion that was quarantined for over 2 weeks from my LFS into my 125 FOWLR. At the store he was eating krill, no issues at all.
<An incomplete diet>
It’s been 4 days since I’ve had him and no signs of an appetite. I have tried krill, krill soaked in Selcon, crab meat etc.
<Not unusual for large lions to go on feeding strikes on being moved. Four days, a week is not a worry>
Once I added him into my tank, he swam around for first day or so. Following day he showed signs of ich, so I gave him a freshwater bath.
<Even more stressful>
It worked great as the ‘specs’ are gone.
<If in the system... will be back>
He still does not care to eat, however.
Now, I noticed him this morning, and while his coloration is fine - his back fin is beginning to show signs of rot. Can this be bacteria or fungus?
<Stress>
I’m tempted to dip him in a furan bath
<Stop!>
for a couple hours but wanted to get your perspective. Water quality checks out fine: Salinity 1.018
<Too low...>
(for the ich breakout),
<Won't work>
Nitrite 0, Very low Ammonia, Nitrate 10, Temp 81
All my other fish, porc puffer, blue hippo, Humu trigger, green wolf eel, maroon clownfish have not missed a beat and eat like pigs. I’m confused at my current situation. It’s been 4 days without any eating and zero signs of an appetite.
Thanks for your time!
Neil
<Read (again): http://wetwebmedia.com/lionfdgfaqs.htm
and the linked files above, and elsewhere on WWM re Cryptocaryon, Hyposalinity... You have self-induced troubles... Bob Fenner>

Lionfish acting strange... poor environment, nutrition    3/17/08
Hi, great website!
I have had my lionfish for about six weeks now. I am new to lionfish. He is currently about 5 1/2 inches long and was about 4 inches when I bought him. He was quick to adjust to the frozen silver sides and that is what he eats. A small piece every other day.
<... needs more than this>
Anyhow, as he has grown he is changing. He has started to get white spots mostly on his (pelvic?) fins. It is not ich. The spots are the same shape and size as the black ones all over his body and are not topical but part of his body. Is this a normal part of growth or change?
<The former>
He has a couple small holes in his webbing on one side but after reading about that on the site that doesn't really concern me.
<Good>
What does concern me is he has been swimming strange. He is often in the vertical position and bumps his mouth into the live sand bottom. Now and again he does flips or somersault very slowly almost like he's not in control but then goes back to normal.
<Mmm... how bright is your lighting? I do hope/trust this fish has some dark area/s, caves to get out of the light... Otherwise, nutrient/vitamin deficiency can be at root here>
I'm also worried that he may be going blind.
<Yes... see above>
His eyes are not cloudy but do look different than before in the pupil. Instead of being straight black there appears to be a bluish/greenish swirl in both pupils. Kind of like the inside of a marble. When I went to feed him tonight he did not respond to the food. This behavior is out of the ordinary for me so I wanted to see what may be going on as I don't want to lose him.
My water temperature is 78F, salinity is 1.021
<I'd raise... see WWM re>
and all levels are good. He is the only fish in 55gal tank
<Needs more room than this...>
(I'm getting a bigger one before he gets too big) and it has a emperor 400 and a aqua c remora on it. I use Hagen Power-Glo lights on that tank.
Let me know what you think please.
Thanks a bunch.
Mike R.
<Read on! WWM re: Lion nutrition, systems... Bob Fenner>

Sick Lionfish  1/16/08
My lion is sick, I have had him over a year and he is by far my favorite fish ever. He has always had so much personality. Recently while I was going thru some treatments that make me very sick. I let my regular cleaning of my tank lapse. I checked the water parameters and found my Nitrates to be around 100 which I know is AWFUL.
<Yikes!>
I immediately started doing intense water changes until I got them back down to 10 ppm. My nitrites are 0ppm and ph is 8.4, ammonia is 0, salinity is 1.023 and temp is 76. He stopped eating so I thought it was from nitrate poisoning but I read that they will come back around given time and proper water parameters.
<Yes, this is so>
I tried enticing him with live feeders
<... a poor idea>
just because he wouldn't take anything else and he did go after it but when he did he hit his face really hard on the tank side when darting for the fish.
<Perhaps blind/ed as well...>
Ever since he will not even try to eat. It has been almost 6 weeks since he has ate anything. Although he does not look like he is starving yet. All my other fish which include a yellow tang and a blue devil damsel are doing great. My lionfish just sits on the bottom facing a corner and nothing else. I was trying to entice him to take some squid the other day and when I got it close to him he moved away from it a little, but enough to get himself facing down into the crushed coral and sand. He was trying to swim back to his corner I assume but he just acted like he couldn't steer, he was face first into the sand and was swimming straight down, to the point that sand was coming out his gills. I had to take my feeder stick and get him turned and he wiggled back into the corner straight ahead of him and has been there ever since. My question is, when he rammed into the glass chasing the feeder could he have damaged whatever it is that controls his steering and swimming abilities?
<Not likely... these fishes are tough>
Pleas help,
Wendy
<I would try placing some live ghost shrimp in this system... very palatable and lively... and do read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/lionfdgfaq2.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>

Lionfish assistance – 11/20/2007
Hi Bob
<Marco of the WWM crew here with you today.>
I have got your email address from a marine saltwater forum who were discussing various problems they were encountering with their lionfish. User Chromis suggested to another user that he contacted you as you had assisted him in the past and I was wondering if you could also help me?
<Will try.>
I have a juvenile voltaris <volitans> lionfish (currently about 5in in size) that lives on its own in a marine tank.
<Size?>
He has for some time ate frozen fish - silversides, lance fish, dillies, krill - though it is always an effort to get him to eat them.
Recently though he has not eaten anything - it must now be approaching two weeks. A few days ago, I added some live river shrimp to his tank (previously he had devoured these in seconds). This was to no avail - he hasn't eaten any of them - he chases after them, goes nose to nose and then retreats from them.
Also, he has developed a red patch on his skin at the top of his head?
I have looked on all the websites re possible reasons. The tank water is good
<What?>
- ammonia & nitrite are zero, nitrate is about 50
<There you go. High nitrates show an accumulation of nitrogenous waste and possibly other metabolites. Do partial water changes until you get them at least below 20 ppm. Re-think the filtration and maintenance of this tank to keep them down. See the link below and ensure your tank is large enough to support your fish.>
, ph is 8.3 and temp is 25.5. He looks fine, he has clear eyes and is not moulting/ trailing any mucus. One website said the red patch could be sign of stress?
<Probably a minor bacterial infection due to a weakened immune system related to waste accumulation and possibly stress.>
The only thing it looks like it could be is starvation. If it is, is there anything I can do to stop him dying from this?
<Provide this Scorpaenid with better environment as soon as possible and avoid as much stress as possible and he might get well again.>
If you can advise me on any possible remedy I would be most grateful.
<See above and also read http://www.wetwebmedia.com/lions&rels.htm and the linked files at the top of this page. Lots of information and advice available. Read especially the paragraph Environmental: Conditions on page two and the FAQs on systems and diseases.>
Thanking you in advance. Tracy.
<Hope it helps and he gets well again. Marco.>

Lionfish assistance – 11/20/2007
Marco. Thanks ever so much for your advice. Will put into action immediately and hopefully sort him out. Trace.
<You are welcome. Good luck and all the best. Marco.>

Radiata Health... using WWM   10/2/07 Hi WWM, not sure who's replying today but thanks for helping out all us aquarists with our 1000,s of questions each day, so I thought I would give you about 10 more (literally). <In line... one at a time, please> I have a 200 UK gallon tank (plus 50 gallon sump) that's been running for a couple of years now. Spec (just before my weekly water change so parameters should be at their worst): Nitrate 10ppm Nitrite 0.2 <... dangerous. MUST be zero, zip, nada> SG 20ppm <Mmm, no... not what you think you're measuring/stating. Likely Nitrate... Specific gravity is usually stated in relative density or ppt> Ph 8 Ammonia 0ppm I am going to re test these with my new kits as the ones I am using are almost a year old. skimmer Aqua Medic Turbo 2 taller version 25w sterilizer pumps Eheim 1262 x 3 for sterilizer and circulation Eheim 1262 for skimmer water feed Ocean runner 3000 for skimmer air water mix Eheim canister filter with some activated carbon 80w 5' T5 lights x 2 inhabitants: Snowflake Moray 1.5' Fox face rabbit fish 5" <I see this fish/specimen. Too skinny> Radiata Lionfish 4" <And this one... some sort of mucus involvement... might be Crypt> Odon us Niger Trigger 5" Humbug damsels 1" ax 2 Wimple fish 3" Emperor Angelfish 6" Yellow Tang 3.5" Monos 1" to 3" x4 Yellow Tail Damsel 1" x2 Bird nose Blue Wrasse 5" starfish x 2 The tank at capacity now or will be when they've grown. <Yes> It has been quite stable and there is no outright aggression between "inmates". First problem the Radiata has one slightly cloudy eye and some white specs on its body just behind the head. <Oh yes... trouble> At first I though it was white spot but they seem to be in/on the mucus layer of the fish and slightly move with the current. The fish was looking extremely pale in the mornings - this was not usual as I have had him for almost a year from when he was smaller than the humbug damsels. Although his colouring mostly returned when he moved I didn't like the look of it so I gave him some vitamins in his main diet of table shrimp and mussel. His colouration is much better and his eye a little, but these white marks wont go. They seem to be one or two mm in length as apposed to the round dot of white spot. Some of the other fish have a cloudy eye also that comes and goes: Wimple fish and the Fox face. What do you think it is?? I have enclosed a pic <Don't know... but is problematical. Lions/Pteroines do produce, shed a good deal of mucus... compared with most all other fish groups... but this is too much. Am worried, as I see you have the Starfishes... and most causative conditions for the Lion would more greatly mal-affect them...> Question2 I had a devastating case of White spot a year ago and it wiped out all my fish except the Fox face and the Yellowtail damsels. The Fox face miraculously survived but ever since then he has been extremely underweight - see pic. He doesn't seem as aggressive in his eating and doesn't really graze on the algae as much as he used to. but he does eat and seem to get his share. Any advice? oh and I do add garlic to their food once a day and give seaweed in evenings. <This fish needs more/better nutrition. Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/rbtfshfdgfaqs.htm and the linked files, particularly the article above> Question3 I found this ball of gel with white specs in it this morning looks like an egg sack. Any ideas as to what its from and is it safe? See pic. <Please see WWM re invert. ID...> Question 4 I've had this starfish for almost a year and still cant identify him any ideas? <Please learn to/use the search tool, indices... This appears to be a Protoreastor linckii...> He eats just like the African starfish but is able to move much faster when he is ready and is more aggressive. see pic thanks for all your time and help Lex of London <BobF of San Diego... who entreats you to move this Lion... to see if a less-aggressive setting alone will "cure it"... Could be that the presence of the Trigger, Damsels... the less-than ideal water quality... are causing it woe here>

Volitans Lion Unable to Open Mouth  10/26/07
Good afternoon, Crew.
<The other ScottF>
First off, I'd like to insert huge praise of thanks (insert your own for individual, personal gratification) for all of the work that you do for those of use who are ignorant or lazy (some of us are trying to get better).
<It's for you I endeavour>
Second, I have a Pterois volitans that as of two weeks ago stopped eating. In closer observation, it appears that it is unable to open its mouth. There are no visible injuries and no signs of illness but it is most certainly stressed. Is there anything (other than time) that I can do to get its mouth to start working again, or is there no help left? I have read through all of our lionsfaqs but haven't found any solution.
<Perhaps a developmental disorder (genetic), or a trauma... You have two choices... do nothing and hope for spontaneous remission... and secondly; to try and open this fishs mouth operantly... be careful (hold the spines in the dorsal, pectoral fins back, with a wet towel... if you do this>
Third, once the Southern California fires are out, who wants to go out for a beer (or three)?
<Here here, cough, hack...>
Regards,
Scott F. (but not Wet Web's)
<BobF, in San Diego with fab lunar views...>

Green Lionfish with cloudy eyes
Hi,,<Hello Robin!>my green lionfish (Dendrochirus Barberi) has cloudy eyes .And I would like to know what to do. I have had it for a little over a month. And it has been eating live saltwater fish that I catch and krill. I changed my water because the ph was high 8.8 It is now 8.4 nitrate 0 ammonia 0,nitrite 0,and nitrite 0 SG 1.024.Also the only time I turn on the light is when I feed it. Other then that is dark with just a little sun light. Please help ASP
<Could be either a bacterial infection or parasites, brought in from the fish you are catching and using for food. This is something that you should refrain from. Purchase your food at a pet store to avoid introducing parasites and/or disease into your aquarium. Stop feeding wild caught fish to your fish and see if it clears up.>
Thank you.
<Good Luck!! -- Brian Griffin>

Lion fish not looking so hot  7/21/07
Hello,
<Hi there>
I will try and make this quick and to the point. A couple weeks ago there was a ridiculously hot heat wave in Southern California.
<I recall>
Well as luck would have it my air conditioner broke the day before it hit. Without having a chiller I was screwed( sort of) I kept bags of ice and fans blowing on my tank ( 170 gallon FOWLR aggressive predator tank) despite my best efforts the tank reached 89+ degrees for a day or so.
<Wow! Even with your lights off and the top uncovered?>
Well I presumably lost my XXL porcupine puffer to the heat, and my xl one spot fox face rabbit fish. I assume the heat did it since my tank has been established and running very well for 1 and half years. No deaths or new additions in about 6 months prior. The Puffer would sit in the corner and breathe heavy and eventually faded in color and died, same with the Foxface, but a couple days prior. The temperature since has gone back to normal and my air conditioner has been fixed. My 2 triggers, wrasse, eel, hermit crabs and grouper are all thriving and acting as though there never was a problem. My lion fish on the other hand refuses( at least I don't see it) to eat now and hides most of the time. It's "spikes" look crooked and all together the fish looks pathetic. It use to swallow krill like there was no tomorrow.
<Needs more than this>
I have offered it the krill, silversides, squid and it stares at me like I am retarded.
Could this be some sort of parasite that came about during the heat wave and is slowly taking out my fish one by one?
Or just too much stress on the fish with the temp change and it is trying to rebound?
<Mostly this last>
I haven't seen it eat in about 2 weeks. Would it just die from not eating so long?
<Mmm, no... some lions have gone for months w/o feeding, and resumed>
I really will be upset if I lose another fish so soon after not having lost one in so long.
Your help and advise is greatly appreciated.
<Do take a read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/lionfdgfaqs.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>

Lionfish... hlth., nutr.    9/4/07
Hi guys! It has been a while since I last talked with you, but you have always given me good advice, and I haven't been able to find exactly the same problem on the Web site. I have a Volitans lion (Venus) that we have had for 2 years; she is about 8 inches long. She took well to hand feeding, and will eat almost anything we give her. We give her silver sides about one time per week, and the rest of the time we feed her either frozen or freeze dried shrimp.
<Too much fat in these foods... and nutrient deficient...>
A couple of times she has taken an entire cube of frozen blood worms while we were trying to feed the other fish, but this has not happened in over 6 months. She shares a 220 gallon tank with a Rectangulatus trigger, a saddle puffer, a lemon peel angel, a scopas tang, and a flame hawk. About a week ago the lion stopped eating with no warning, and she has been listing to her right side. Her coloring is normal, and her size has not changed, nor does her breathing seem rapid. She seems to float to the top of the tank, and
floats there either on her back or on her side. She has no interest in food, and she seems that she can only swim with her head pointed down; she doesn't seem able to swim towards the top of the tank facing upward, she just sort of floats there. We did a 1/4 water change, and tested the water, and all levels are normal. All of the other fish have been behaving normally. I am wondering if this is possibly a problem with her swim bladder?
<Caused by?>
She has never shown behavior like this before, and there have been no additions at all to the tank (fish or rock) in about a year. She does occasionally try to swim down and sit there, but she ends up floating back up to the top, and is usually on her side, and if I open the lid part of her pectoral fin is actually out of the water between the water level and the lid. She floats with her right side down. I am not sure how old she was when we purchased her, but she was only about 3 or 4 inches long at the time. Please help!!! (if you can). I
don't want to lose her, but I really have no idea what to do for her, and it really seems like it is a struggle for her to even try to swim downwards. We have not seen her really open her mouth at all in the last week...at first I thought possibly lockjaw, but I don't think that explains the strange floating behavior. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time in advance, and thanks to all of you who counsel our fellow aquarists. Your site is truly wonderful, and it's so great to have a place to go for advice and information.
Sincerely,
Jennifer and Steve
<I do hope your Lion spontaneously gets better... with just time going by. It might have swallowed something that is decomposing, producing an air pocket inside of it... If it does resume normal orientation and feeding, I would take to broadening the food menu... and soaking some of these foods in a vitamin, HUFA mix (like Selcon). Otherwise, there is not much that can be "done" here other than wait. Bob Fenner>

Lion fish behaviour/illness... nutritional def. syndrome/fdg.    8/8/07
Hi Crew,
First I'd obviously like to thank you all for having this phenomenal web site, it is definitely my primary resource for just about everything I try to do with this hobby.
<Welcome>
I feel that there likely is an answer already within your site, but I just can't seem to put these pieces together well enough to be confident in how I'd like to proceed....
So, to the point...
(I'll try to spare you as much of my novice speculation as possible, and just give you my observations)
I've had my Fu Manchu Lion (Dendrochirus biocellatus with three eye spots) for just over a year, he is the sole inhabitant of a 60 gal with about 80 lbs of live rock. There have been no attempted additions to the tank or otherwise since my last addition of 15 lbs of live rock 4 months ago. This tank is in the basement of my house.
For the first six months of his stay with me he ate gut packed ghost shrimp, eventually he began eating freeze dried krill (vitamin soaked), but will still eat nothing other than those krill (a fish of discriminating tastes, he would actually spit out anything that wasn't krill)
More recently he won't eat anything at all.
<... too likely an effect of the restricted diet>
I last fed him Monday of last week and while a heat wave hit where I live.... The water in the tank rose to 83 over a day or two's time
<Should be fine>
and when I tried to feed him again he feigned going after the piece of krill, but then gave up.
I tried to feed him daily after that and he would still eat nothing.
Originally my take on it was that the rising temperature where I live may have upset him enough to initiate this fasting... his tank normally holds a temperature of 79 degrees. Unsure of how to handle the unstable temperature, i tried to wait it out, hoping the heat would break, knowing that fluctuations in temperature could be thought to be worse than a slightly high temperature. (the water quality maintained itself at 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 8.3 ph and around 15ppm nitrate [i know this is high, i have been having significant trouble lowering it]) As of Friday that week I started to get more concerned, as he really did seem particularly lethargic and his belly was starting to look a bit more concave than I'm comfortable with. there was no report of the temp outside lessening, and the lion's colour became pale as well as his breathing particularly rapid. In my own panic and haste I decided to attempt to lower the temp by a degree or so by doing a 15 gal water change with the new water being around 80 degrees.
Now since he's a rock clinger and I work long hours I can't verify if these next symptoms were or were not present before hand.... but obviously if my guesswork and recklessness had paid off I wouldn't be writing you, so what I can tell you is through my observation after that point, he became more pale, and within an hour or three he was seeming to be significantly disoriented.
He would try to swim and almost appeared drunk, like he didn't know which way was up or where he was going. he was doing strange loops where some of the time he was belly-up (which is very abnormal for him). A little spastic and possibly even a bit twitchy.
Luckily (or unfortunately) before I could do any more damage, I had to leave for a few days. I felt sick for having to leave him... but again, sometimes I act rashly when faced with an unwell (or possibly dying) pet.
When I returned on Monday, I found him alive but looking disoriented, clinging to his rock in an unfamiliar fashion (normally he sits with "purpose" and doesn't look so vacant) and looking a bit unstable. (though he doesn't appear blind... he reacts to my hand near the glass)
On close inspection his fins looked like they might have been rubbed a little on the rocks, a few hours later I noticed that only the lower half of his tail had been damaged, where some areas appear to be broken off (honestly, if I had another fish int he tank I would think he'd been chewed)
The upper half of his tail looks perfectly normal.
Presently, he doesn't twitch his dorsal spines anymore, where he would normally move them in a jerky wave pattern. He's still not eating or trying to and I have not had any opportunity to watch him swim, but as he shimmies from one rock to another, he still seems to be inclined to lean to one side, and his "bum" or back half seems to hold less weight than it used to... so, what i mean is he seems to have trouble holding it to any surface.
<Starvation...>
I'm worried anything I do could stress him more and I don't know what would or might do more good than harm.
I considered moving him to my Quarantine tank,
<Not advised>
but I thought a 15g would be more likely to fluctuate with the temperature (if that's even the problem)
Also I have a new fish in the Q tank, an Amblygobius phalaena, 3 weeks into his quarantine and perfectly healthy (as far as I can see) Eating ravenously, and not being affected by these same temp. fluctuations... In everything I have done with his quarantine I have paid great attention to not allowing direct or indirect contact between the tanks (as a side note).
<I would place this fish with the Lion>
I don't know how to proceed from here... My biggest concern is that I can't put my finger on any one thing that might be wrong (or at least connect it to anything I have read in your lion faq's) and am ready lo listen to whatever scolding I need to get to the root of this problem and understand what I can do to help him get well.
Tell me what not to do, tell me what to do.... and maybe tell me what I can do in the future about my summertime temperatures...
Every fish is a beautiful and amazing one, and Fu really is to me.
If I had an equivalent of a Merck Manual of medical info for fish I swear I wouldn't be bothering you, But I really Do appreciate you help for and patience with someone I'm sure you might view as an absolute ninny. I hope some of what I've noted will help you help my fish.
Sorry for talking you ear off. I was just trying to give you all the info I have and explain myself in the process.
Thank you once more for all of you expert knowledge and help.
-Liz
<Am hoping that the addition of the other fish, its feeding behavior will spur your lion on to resuming feeding... I would try some live ghost shrimp... and add some vitamin/HUFA mixture (variously sold as commercial prep.s in the hobby) to the water the shrimp were in for a good fifteen minutes before offering... to stimulate appetite as well as possibly supplying needed nutrients. Bob Fenner>

What might be valuable information for worried lionfish owners. Ridiculous mis-mix of fishes in a too tiny system  7/21/07
Dear Crew; I have been in the marine world for 7 yrs. and have kept a variety of tanks, systems, and livestock in that time-what prompts me to write this letter to you is a condition that just showed up on my black volitans lionfish," boo".{yes, after the ghost, as he thinks he is very scary}
<... Where are the spaces between your sentences?>
"Boo" eats like a champ, is quite active, and loves attention of any kind, especially being handfed an assortment of seafood; he lives in a 37 gallon tank
<Much, MUCH too small for what fish life you list... Even the Lion alone needs more room than this>
that has been established for 4 yrs. with consistent levels in the normal areas, although I keep my salinity at 1.026,and my temp between 78 and 80 degrees; his substrate is 4in.aragonite sand mixed with crushed coral shell, and approx.20-30 lbs. live rock; his tank friends which all get along} are a dogfaced puffer{4in},
<Could be trouble...>
a green wolf eel/goby{16in},and a undiluted trigger{2in}.
<Is trouble... Mis-mixed here with a Lion>
Last week I did a 50% water change,
<Too much for routine maintenance>
along with a detailed cleaning, which I always move the fish into a big container until the tank is set back up to standerd,with no changes except fresh water and salt.
Two days later," boo" was acting very "drunk", not eating, and looked like he had been in a war; his tail fins were choppy, the base of the tail looking wounded, and his main fins seemed to be "shreding"themselves back towards his body. this aspect became more severe within 72hrs.}
I have never seen anything like this before, so "boo" was moved to a fresh hospital tank{cycled}located in a "quiet and dim lit room, and observed a few times daily.
I read on your site letters from several lionfish owners that had the same "shedding" condition, and a few that had the "drunken"condition;now what I was wondering is these two conditions related to the normal shedding stage, or are they separate?
So far,"boo"has made a few lazy lunges at food, but not ate; he does have a area to hide in, and the tank is well filtered and aireated;he spends most of his time on the bottom, or perched at odd angles on rock; he does seem to be a bit less "drunk", and has started making mean faces at me again.
I think my actions are correct, and that the two types of symptoms he displayed are related-do you think this to be accurate? Is there anything else I can do for him, or rectify to speed his recovery?
Any input from you will be most appreciated, and I wish you all continued success.
Sincerely, Remington Cain
<Your problems are not using a grammar checker, and environmental... This is an untenable mix of species in too small a volume. Please... learn to proof your English before sending, and read re the "Systems", "Compatibility" of all the species you list... and move these fishes to another, much larger world... And leave out the Undulated Trigger here... Bob Fenner>

Lionfish sick, No data   7/17/07
Hello,
<Hi there>
Please help my wife an I figure out what is wrong with our Volitans lionfish.
We have had him for over 6 months, in a established 75 gallon tank with 100 lbs of live rock and adequate filtration.
He has grown a lot since we got him.
<What do you feed this fish?>
He lives with a Huma Huma trigger
<Mis-placed here... could be a/the root of the problem>
and a Foxface, an urchin and some soft corrals.
Within the last week or so his behavior has changed dramatically. He stopped eating. He would swim facing down all the time and dart about suddenly and erratically. Then all of a sudden he wedged himself behind some rocks. he has been there for a few days. I attempted to move him out tonight, and noted that his fins had become extremely frayed. Its almost like he is ramming himself into the rocks. I am afraid he is dying, or will kill himself.
After doing some research, I realize we have not been feeding him the best diet, frozen shrimp mainly,
<... very likely a factor...>
but I don't think this would have caused his sudden downfall.
<Could cumulatively>
I did have a problem with ICH a few months ago, but that cleared up,
<... how?>
and all residents of the tank have been very healthy until this.
Water quality is good,
<... what does this mean qualitatively?>
I change the water fairly frequently.
What can I do? My wife and I are very distraught.
Thanks,
Daniel
<Like a presidential speech you've presented a lot of words w/o saying much... Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/index.htm
Scroll down to the Lionfishes... tray... re Systems, Feeding, Disease... Bob Fenner>
 

Lionfish Fins  7/5/07 Hello, i am writing today to ask questions about 2 of my current tank inhabitants. The first question is in regards to my Volitans lionfish whom we have had for roughly 6 months. He is in a 90Gal tank and the other inhabitants are as follows (one of each) dog face puffer, <Misplaced with the Lion> pearl tang, <What is this? Scientific name-wise> yellow tang, white faced scorpionfish, Foxface and 1 hermit crab. The lionfish has recently been developing holes in his fins which grow so large that the hole in the fin actually creates a separation from the rest of the fin and on his other fin it appears that the fin itself has just been deteriorating. Will these heal up or stay separated like this? <If conditions... crowdedness, stress, nutrition aren't improved, the latter or worse> We have tested the waters and all of the levels are in a ok range although our salt level is a bit low at 26PPT but we have been slowly adding salt each day to get the levels back up into the ok range (we were told anywhere between 28 and 34PPT was good) My other question is in regards to our Foxface who seems to have either been nipped good by another tank mate or cruised full bore into the live rock, honestly not sure which it was but the skin on his nose is pretty torn up and since we're just getting our quarantine tank up again am just wondering if i should move the Foxface to QT or since he doesn't seem to be bothered by any of his tank mates should we just let him heal on his own? <Better to move this fish to another setting... likely was nipped by the Puffer or poked by one of the Scorpaenids> P.S i regret that the Foxface's pictures aren't that clear but he was a very hard fellow to photograph unlike our very photographic lionfish who loves to be looked at and will even try to spit water at anyone who opens the lids for any reason! <Neat!> RedFox187 <Please read re the "Compatibility" and "Systems" of the species you have here... on WWM. Bob Fenner>

Unhappy Volitans... soc. env.   6/30/07
Hello Crew!
<Ali, Darren>
Firstly may we say what a fab site you have - very interesting & informative. It is our first stop when in doubt of anything aquatic!
We have as yet been unable to find an explanation for our Volitan's problem though, so hence the query:
Bought the lionfish about a month ago, and he took a few days to settle in but soon came round. At the same time bought a porcupine puffer, trigger, grouper and leopard filefish - all small/young enough to settle together but big enough not to eat each other!
<Still... high stress... and likely problems down the line here with this mix... the Puffer and Trigger may well work the Lion woe... and good luck to it and the Filefish getting food...>
The only other inhabitants were 2 hermit crabs,
<These too will disappear>
and all were introduced into the tank on the same afternoon,
<Too much too soon my friend>
having come from the same shop and some had been sharing tanks there. We lost trigger recently - think it was scared to death by grouper as he had been harassing it.
<Yes...>
Last week or so we have not seen Lionfish eat - he has previously had defrosted silversides, krill & Mysis with the odd piece of squid, although not brave enough yet to feed from us directly, but we have witnessed him picking up pieces. He seemed to be acting a little strangely in that he was resting on the coral-sand, and making himself a shallow 'hole' by fanning the sand away with his fins.
<A bad sign>
Now though, his once prominently dark stripes have become patchy.
<This too... stress markings...>
In the past couple of days, he has developed a small luminescent lime-green patch on one side just in front of the fin, and his proud display of healthy looking 'fans' have drooped completely. In general, quite listless, breathing seems slightly more rapid and this morning he had 'wedged' himself under the edge of a piece of live rock.
Checked parameters, salinity etc - all within recommended ranges. We have tried water changes with RO and done all we can think of in respect of water quality without adding any extra chemicals/treatments. Understand hair algae should not affect him,
<Au contraire... this life can mal-affect all... and/or the conditions that pre-dispose its proliferation>
but put half dozen turbo's in to help reduce that anyway. LFS have limited range of frozen foods available, so will try to get something online - any recommendations/additives we should be on the lookout for?
<Moving this fish... to another system really. Ghost shrimp (live) would be best then to entice it to feed>
Can you give us an indication of what might be wrong & what we can do for the poor little guy? Would hate to lose him for obvious reasons.
Hope you can help
Thanks - Ali & Darren
<Could be a few things amiss... but the most glaring trouble is the placement with the other life here. Unless this tank is a few hundred gallons... I'd be moving the Lion, stat! Bob Fenner>

Re: Unhappy Volitans   6/30/07
Thanks Bob
<Welcome>
We went to LFS yesterday & were given eSHa OODINEX (wide range marine treatment, invert friendly)
<...>
to treat the tank, but Lion gave up the ghost about half hour later - went into spasm & that was that unfortunately. A real shame as he had appeared to be doing so well until last week.
<...>
The tank is 240 litres
<Too small...>
with substantial amount of live Fijian rock, and had previously been thriving community of regal & yellow tangs, clowns, blood shrimps etc, but as a result of house move etc, we gave them away & started afresh once we moved the tank. Hence new stock of a different nature. We're running undergravel filter with powerhead, protein skimmer, canister filter with pump output 1300 litres/hour, active carbon filter media, ceramic rings for pre-filters plus internal filter with powerhead using carbon sponges & poly-pads. Also, ultra-violet water sterilizer and all water used is RO.
Anything else we should have?
<Perhaps a book or two>
Were advised what we were purchasing was max for the tank size
<Way past this>
and have been scrupulous with checking parameters & frequent water changes (20% once a week-ish) Re: Hair algae - how can we get rid other than pulling it off the rock?
<Read... on WWM re...>
Thought a yellow tang might help keep it down? Bearing in mind we now only have puffer (3 inch) grouper (4 inch) and leopard file (3 inch or so) who all appear to be feeding & growing well, what would your recommendations be re: any additional stock?
Thought occurs we should maybe dump the rock (it was wet-stored for a week or so during house move) & replace with some fresh to eliminate the algae growth.
Would really appreciate your advice in preference to that of LFS as I'm sure they'd probably sell us anything we asked for...
Thanks again,
Ali & Darren
<Please learn to/use the indices, search tool on WWM. BobF>

Re: Unhappy Volitans   7/2/07
Thanks Bob & sorry to be a pain in the butt
<No worries>
We have some excellent books - inconclusive.
Have searched WWM site as per your suggestion re: hair algae, and we now have an additional problem for which we can find no advice already posted:
Grouper not eaten for 2 days and has lost a great deal of colour. Was bright pink, now very pale & hiding under rock in self-made cave in the sand - very listless & shallow breathing. File fish has not been seen for 24 hours plus.
Puffer thriving & eating well.
<... the Lion dying... Likely released a few materials in the water... I would do some massive water changes, use a good bit of activated carbon in your filter flow path... Quick!>
Tested water again & again - can find nothing wrong.
Can't see any alternative but to move all fish in HT whilst we empty, clean & totally start afresh with main tank - any alternative suggestions would be most welcome.
<This might be the best route to go here>
Thanks again & sorry if we appear naive, but conflicting advice from variety of sources leads to confusion over best course of action. Guess us Brits are not so clued up with these things!
Ali & Darren
<On the contrary... the UK has many excellent aquarists and no less than three excellent all marine periodicals... "We", the U.S. have none, unless you count the largely recycled Coral/Koralle 'zine... BobF>

Lion Fish tumor, little useful input    6/18/07
I have had a Lion Fish for over 2 years with great results......up until 3 weeks ago. He hasn't eaten since then. I've varied his food from frozen krill and silversides to rosy reds.
<The last are trouble... see WWM re "feeding feeders"... same cyprinid/FW as fish food problem...>
But I have just recently noticed that he had what looks like a tumor on his body where his side "tentacles" attach to his body. It bulges way out, unlike the other side attached area which is flat against his body. Have you ever seen such a tumor?
<Rarely, but yes>
Please help as he will not eat and I'm not sure how much longer he will live without food. All level of Ph and such have been tested and are normal. Thank you. V Mac
<Not enough info. re the history and make-up of this system, actual test values, tankmates... Your best course of action is to read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/liondisfaqs.htm
and the linked files above... When, where in doubt... water changes. I would expand and limit the foods list... NOT minnows... supplement HUFAs, vitamins... by soaking foods, direct addition.
Bob Fenner>

Our lionfish hasn't eaten in six weeks   6/18/07
To whom it may concern
<Yo!>
We have a lion fish, he is brown with stripes, he looks like the ones on your facts and question pages. he is 12 months old and we have no problems with him till 6 weeks ago, when he all of a sudden just stop eating.
<Likely a Pterois volitans... sometimes "do" this>
We even brought him live fish to eat
<Not FW I hope/trust>
and even they say in the tank until
they die even then he was still not interested in them, we have changed his water and all test on his tank are good.
<Which means what?>
He is now banging into the side of the tank and hitting the top of the glass were we lift to feeded him, ive just remove the glass as he keeps hitting it and the sides of his tank, he is in a 4ft tank and he is the only one in the tank.
<Likely blind/ed... from bright light possibly (no dark overhangs available...) and/or nutritional deficiency... Again, not uncommon>
He dislodged his jaw over 2months ago and he put in back into shape by himself, we thought that might have been the problem, then he pick up and started eating after 2 weeks, so we thought he was fine, until 6 weeks ago and now he wont even eat, nothing interests him.
We have try green prawns, krill and live fish for him, we even named Syd as he is part of our family, now we need to know is he going blind or is he dying if so what can we do for him, as my partner wants to release him into the sea to give a better chance of surviving.
I hope you cant answer this ASAP as i don't want to release as he became one of the family, but i don't want to suffer either, so i need your advice on want we can do for Syd now.
I would appreciate your help and he doesn't have any other diseases, he just wont eat, hitting the side of his tank and hitting the top of the tank full force were i have remove the glass so he cant hurt himself.
Your's sincerely
Theresa Pennell
Australia
ps your help would be great as i only have till 5pm today before my partner release him into the sea to give a better survival rate,
<Please do NOT do this... not good for anyone... May spread disease, or perhaps worse, introduce a non-indigenous species...>
then seeing Syd dying in his tank and not eating and hitting everything, please answer this email ASAP. pretty please as Syd has grown on me. thank you
<Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/liondisfaqs.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>

Antennata Lionfish death, env.    6/16/07
Hello,
I recently
<How?>
bought a Antennata Lion from a fish store. It was fine the first night but, into the second day and night it began to breath heavily and lose it's color, in the morning it was dead. I took it back to the fish store, they tested my water and said it was perfect and gave me a replacement. The replacement lion was fine the first night and then started to display the same symptoms. I did a massive water change and then decided to write you for some insight. It is a 55gal
<Too small>
with live rock/sand, 3 damsels,
<Food>
hermits, and snails. Both lionfish wouldn't eat and then began to lose their color and started breathing heavily. I would like some guidance in saving the lion or at least preventing more deaths. P.S. the first lion died with it's mouth wide open, not sure if that helps.
<Likely simple low dissolved oxygen... Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/index.htm
Scroll down to the Scorpaeniform fishes... re: Lion Systems... Bob Fenner>

Re: Antennata Lionfish death – 06/17/07
Hi again,
The second lionfish died overnight. I have been looking over your pages on dissolved oxygen. I plan on lowering the water level to allow more air to get pushed into the tank. Would this solve the dissolved oxygen that you described?
<No... maybe if the system we're bowl shaped...>
Also, the other fish in the tank don't seem effected by the low oxygen, is the reason that the damsels are just more hardy to low oxygen?
<DO could be the reason for loss... not absolutely sure... but is likely something "environmental"... You give no useful data re water chemistry, physics, history of the set-up... The extant animals have more surface area per unit mass... and may well be "used to" local conditions...>
I also see that you said my tank was too small for an Antennata.
<Yes>
However, I enjoy lionfishes and was wondering if a zebra lion would be okay for the 55gal? If it is okay, how hardy are the zebra lions?
<Read... on WWM re. BobF>

Twitchy lion fish....   5/25/07
Hello to the WWM crew,
    I am writing tonight about my lion fish, hopefully  I have not missed what I am looking for in your site as I have been searching  for hours. Any ways my lion has started acting strange over the  past week, he is resting on the bottom a lot more and he seems to twitch his  lower fins in the sand. It almost looks like he is shivering. He also on  occasion darts through the tank and acts as if he is itching himself with  his longer fins. His eating habits have not changed, he is fed silversides and  krill about every 3 days .I have had this fish for about 6 months and he has  been great. he is about 8 inches and his color looks great. My tank is a  125 gallon with a 30 gallon sump and protein skimmer. My lion is the  only fish currently. I say that because I just lost a copper banded butterfly that was introduced only 2 weeks ago, and not quarantined.
This fish had  white and black spots on his fins that I treated as ick in a separate  tank.
<Here is likely the root cause...>
He past on after 2 days in hospital tank. I know I have made a mistake  there, but now I need a coarse of action to take with my lion.
<Your punctuation... where are the spaces...?>
Just last  night I added a UV to try and rid any parasites in my tank.  My water is as  follows: PH 8.2 Calc. 380 DKH 10  Ammo .25 ( normally hangs at 0 )  
<Trouble also>
Nitrite  0  Nitrate  0  Phos  0  Sp  Grav.  1.025   Temp  78  I have some coral and around  160 pounds of live rock a 4 inch sand bed and in my sump I have 30 pounds live  sand, sea weed and mangrove plants. Both tanks are well populated with snails and  crabs. I hope that is enough info for you to help.
Thanks you very much in advance for all your help,
Jeff Hopp
<The medication exposure is almost certainly at root here. Likely this Lion will recover... takes time... a few weeks. Bob Fenner>

Re: twitchy lion fish.... – 5/25/07
Bob,
    Thanks for your Speedy response. I may not have  been clear enough but my lion was never exposed to any medication. I treated my  butterfly in a separate tank.
<Ah, sorry for the misunderstanding...>
I just left my LFS and was told to try Kent garlic  supplement. How do you feel about this?
<I like garlic in many food items... and/but there is some indication of a cathartic effect in foods... for humans as well!>
I also wanted to note I am aware of the  cause of my elevated ammonia levels. I chalk this up to a clean up crew that was  purchase via the Internet ( I wont say where to be kind ) that has been  dieing since arrival, with a lot of DOA's.
<Yikes>
I have been diligent about water  changes since this has become a problem. Do you have any other  suggestions?
<Mmm... do you have another system you can move this animal to?  Otherwise I would try the chemical filtrant route here, continue trying to offer live, and non-live wiggled foods... and try to be patient. Some lions do "shake" quite a bit... Bob Fenner>
Thanks again for all your help,
Jeff Hopp

Injured Lionfish + 1 month without eating. Need advice please.   5/24/07
Hi!
<Hello there>
First off, great site - full of helpful information, but I can't seem to find anything that quite matches my case, so I'm dropping you a line.  4 weeks ago my lionfish acquired a sizable gash across the top of the head in the soft tissue between the "head plate" and the first dorsal spine.  The deep gash went from one gill covering to the other and he was bleeding freely in the tank.
<Yikes! Very bad situation... Fishes have very high "Packed Cell Volumes"... and a world of not much dissolved oxygen (often about 7 ppm... vs. ours of about 210,000... Need their blood, rest of their integument/slime systems to be intact to stay alive>
I wish I could figure out how to attach the pictures I have, but it basically looks like someone took a steak knife and split the back of the head open.
<Mmm, have seen similar injuries... Lions can really move at times... run into objects, jump out of the water, striking gear...>
I later found a 2-inch peacock mantis in my live rock (which I immediately removed), but I am still unsure what caused this injury.  The bleeding eventually stopped and under the advice of my local fish store, I treated the tank with MelaFix for 2 weeks.
<Am not a fan>
  The Lionfish ate sparingly after this injury (he was a terrific eater of fresh frozen and freeze dried shrimp prior to this event), but ate his final piece of food 24 days ago.  His wound is healing nicely (no discoloration or puss from the wound). I tried ghost shrimp and guppies - nothing is taking his interest.
In fact, when I try to "pole feed" dehydrated shrimp, the live ghost shrimp will crawl up onto the face of my Lionfish to get the food!!!  Water levels are fine, I check the ammonia, etc., every other day and change a portion of the water weekly.  Anyway, his dorsal spines are depressed, laying along his back and he's noticeably losing weight (although I haven't massed him).
I've contacted a few local aquaria regarding force feeding, and had I.V. feeding proposed as a suggestion.
<Mmm... would not do this>
Unfortunately, the aquarium that suggested this is too far away for me to bring in the fish (overseas).  I was wondering if you had any suggestions for force or IV feeding?
<Well... could/can be done... with extreme care with Pteroines obviously... but I would keep trying the foods you have been, with some changes... I would re-arrange the decor in this system, soak all foods in a vitamin and HUFA supplement (for attraction as well as nutrition), and make/use a "feeding stick" for the non-live items...>
I've managed to shove food in his mouth via the "pole feeding" method,
<Oh! Good>
but at this point he's spitting everything back out - so I think we've gone a bit beyond the standard "hunger strike". If I must handle him to force or IV feed, what type of gloves would suffice to prevent being injured by his spines?
<Mmm, actually... better to use well-soaked (to discount residual cleaner) white (versus colored) older cloth towels... to "hold back the dorsal and pectoral fins while manipulating such animals>
I have dive gloves, but the joints are fairly thin.
<These can be easily punctured... and the handling will further damage the fish with these>
Any advice would be very helpful - my lionfish is such a terrific little guy, with an awesome personality (up until this event... his behaviour has radically changed to depressed and non-interactive over the past month).  I don't want to lose him!
Thanks,
Kim
<The food bolus must be pressed, inserted further back than the buccal cavity... past the obvious closure in the back throat... there are some backward pointing structures there that disallow live food organisms from escape... A plastic catheter, other tools... Bob Fenner>

Sick Lion fish   5/20/07
Hello,  thank you for taking the time out to listen and help me with my concern.  I recently purchased a lion fish about two weeks ago.  I noticed today that he has some little white dots on his fins.  He is eating normally but is swimming upside down at the top.
<Mmm, these fishes do this sort of orientation at times, but...>
He also has a broken dorsal fin... I believe that is what it is called.  It is one of the long ones that stick out on the side.  
  My temp is 78, Ph 8.3, Nitrates 30,
<Much too high... this is very likely a large contributing cause of the trouble here... Needs to be addressed NOW>
Ammonia 0, Nitrites 0.    
  Could I have a problem with ick?
<Could... but could be just the environment, lack of filtration... driven nitrification...>
Is it normal for a lion fish to swim upside down at the top of the aquarium?
<No>
  Any suggestions or advise would be greatly appreciated.  
  Thank You!
<... Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/lionsysfaqs.htm
and here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/nitratesmar.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>

Re: Sick Lion fish    5/20/07
Thank you so much for your help.
  I am doing a water change today to bring my nitrates down.
<Good. One, immediate way to dilute this...>
  I did have another question.  It seems as though these little white spots that I was talking about are sloughing off today with what looks to be pieces of his skin.  I'm just wondering if that is his effort to slough off what ever those little white spots are.
<Lionfishes are particularly "slimy"... and the infestation is irritating, does lead to such further behavior>
It appears that there aren't as many on his fins today.
<My friend... be very careful here... What is almost assuredly happening is a "one life cycle stage" (because it is new here) is cycling off... The Crypt will be back... with a proverbial vengeance... even more infesting the Lion, possibly killing it w/o your intervention... Do you understand this? The life cycle of Cryptocaryon?>
I also raised my water temp to 81 last night, just in case it is ick.  
<... this won't "do it">
  Again, thank you so much for all of your help.  I am new at this and am still learning and do not like the idea of any of my fish dying.
<I do hope/trust that you will learn (quickly) and act with knowledge in saving your fish/es. Bob Fenner>

Re: Sick Lion fish    5/20/07
What do you suggest in treating this?
<May possibilities here, most likely copper, all require a hospital tank.  See here for more http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ichartmar.htm , http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ichart2mar.htm .>
<Chris>  

Lionfish injury   - 4/7/07
Hi
<, I>
recently bought a lionfish bout medium sized.  Hes
<He's>
still "new" to the tank but has eaten live food easily.  He has a chainlink/snowflake eel,
<Mmm, these are two different species...>
Foxface, 2 juvenile banded cat sharks,
<In how large...? Oh, I see this below>
a blue hippo tang, and a v tail grouper as tankmates.  Before I get jumped on for overcrowding all fish are small a 500 gallon is on the way
<... and now?>
and the filtration on this tank is capable of more then double the tanks actual size.
<Filtration alone is not the issue>
  Either way he is always out in the open doesn't
<doesn't... where are your apostrophes? Spell-checking?>
run from noises or any fish that come near him and really doesn't seemed stressed at all despite his recent change of scenery.  However, on one of his display fins for lack of the correct terms one finger of it is torn about half way its a very small tear but everything from that point up has turned almost blood red.
<Happens quite often with the moving of Pteroine fishes...>
  He's still showing no signs of distress and is still swimming around enjoying life but I am stressing about it.
<Umm, don't... not likely at all to be a problem... Will heal of its own accord in time... likely a few weeks...>
The tear is extremely small and in a very hard place for an eel to have grabbed a nip so I
honestly have no idea how he got it and really would attribute it to the shipping of him if it hadn't turned red about 3 days later.  Anyway no one ive talked to so far can identify why this would be or what I can do for him.  Please help.
<Just time going by... but do get that new tank up and going... and do pay close attention to ammonia, no more than 20 ppm nitrate here. Bob Fenner>

Multiple Lionfish deaths - extreme mystery – 4/7/07
Hi guys,
<Hi John.  Don’t forget the girls too…>
I am hoping desperately that you could offer some insight to my recent fish tragedies: four consecutive, completely mysterious Volitans and Dwarf Lionfish deaths. First off, I will describe my setup. 25g,
<Much too small for a Volitans, borderline for Dwarf.  Read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/dwflionsysfaqs.htm >
4 month old, eclipse lighting/filtration, 30 lbs live rock, 160gph powerhead, good carbon and PolyFilter, 8 hermit crabs, 3 snails, and as of now no fish. My first fish was a Panther Grouper who was very healthy and happy for 2-3 months.
<Also much too large of a fish for this small tank.  Research their long-term needs before buying.>
During my time with him I introduced my first Volitans Lionfish who promptly died the morning after. Had the water tested and everything was perfect. So, I put another one in and exactly the same thing happened: he was perfectly fine for the few hours before night time, the next morning he was dead. Water checked out again. A couple weeks later the Grouper dies with his jaw locked wide open. Still no explanation on that but the consensus seems to be he tried to eat a hermit crab and choked. I spent the next three weeks making the water PERFECT. Pristine conditions: pH 8.3, alkalinity 11, ammonia/nitrite 0, salinity 1.024, nitrates less than 25, temp 76.
<This all sounds very good.>
This time to be safe I opted for the Dwarf Lion because of my tank size.
<Better choice.>
As you can imagine that same thing happened, he didn't last the night. So today I got another, this time a bit larger (hoping he would be bit hardier). I checked on him every 5-10 minutes and he wasn't struggling but seemed quite agitated. Before he made it into the tank he was occasionally swimming in odd positions; sometimes upside down. He lasted maybe two hours. The store I buy from is very reputable, supplying and supporting tanks for most of Atlanta. I drip every fish I get for at least 2 hours and make sure the water they leave is identical to the water they find in the tank. The Lions never had a chance to eat but the Grouper had a healthy, varied diet: mostly a 'marine diet' called Formula One (which is known to support a fish throughout its lifetime exclusively)  supplemented occasionally by ghost shrimp, frozen krill, and freshwater guppies. Every expert I have consulted is completely dumb-founded. I feel I've covered all the bases, I even grounded the tank before letting the fourth Lion in. This is my first saltwater tank and I am becoming very disheartened and am ready to give up completely. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
<Given the accelerating speed of their demise, this sounds much like environmental toxins have built up in your tank.  The grouper may have lasted longer, as toxins may have built up slowly while he was in the water and so he was more resistant than the suddenly introduced new fish.  Thoughtfully assess the environment outside the tank.  Consider if there is anything in the air or on your hands that could be building up in the water.  Air fresheners? Dusting aerosols? Spray cleaners? Fragrant candles? Anti-bacterial hand-soap?  Any chemicals like this can gradually build up in the water, and there aren’t any tests for them.  If you can identify any potential contaminants and eliminate them from future introduction, you will still have to change most of the water.  Larger water changes can keep things from building up, and also help with the nitrates.  Read here about other toxic tank examples:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/toxictkfaqs3.htm
Carbon can help remove these types of chemicals, but only significantly if it is changed weekly.  A protein skimmer may help also.  Given the timing of the deaths and your good water parameters and acclimation procedure, I cannot think of anything else it could be but toxic water.
Don’t give up, it sounds like you are doing many things well and hopefully you can identify the source of the problem and correct it and then have many years of enjoyment from this wonderful hobby.  Consider selecting smaller (when they are mature) fish or getting a bigger tank if you must have large predators.  Much available information here about system requirements for many species.>
  Best Regards,
  -John
<Cheers, Alex>

Re: Multiple Lionfish deaths- extreme mystery  4/18/07
Hi everyone,
   <John>
  Thank you very much for your reply. However I replied to this message with some follow-up questions and never heard back. I guess y'all are just busy. Anyway, I agree with your opinion that there is a toxic build-up in the tank. I did a number of partial water changes and added a Purigen filter in the hopes of removing whatever is in there, but I had a Royal Gramma die in the drip bucket today (bringing the grand total to six) so obviously more drastic measures are required. After reading through many FAQs on your site I stumbled across some on DSBs. I forgot to mention in my original message that I only have 40lbs of Arag live sand that is, at it's deepest, 2 inches.
<Mmm, sort of a "tweener"... a bit too much, or too little here>
> what I've read this is not enough. Is this true?
<Is factual>
Also, it wasn't stirred once for three to four months. Could a build-up of toxic substances have accumulated with only one fish?
<Mmm, yes>
I have a few hermit crabs that dig through the substrate and it still appears to have it's original color (it's not yellow or
dark/off-colored). I recently started stirring it with my finger because the gravel vacuum tends to suck it out of the tank.
<Need to either have a larger one... or pinch the exhaust/siphon tube a bit to slow down flow>
I plan on doing a 100% water change soon and it would be an ideal time to add another 20lb bag of (pre-established) live sand. Should I do it?
What do you recommend?
<Yes, and that you read: http://wetwebmedia.com/dsbsize.htm
and the linked files above>
Please help me as no one else has answers for me and seems to have little interest in my problems if I'm not buying something from them.   
  Thank you very much,
  -John
<Welcome. Bob Fenner>

Lionfish problems!!! HELP  3/19/07
Hi,
I have had a Lionfish for the last 6 months, who was doing wonderfully well.
In the last week, it refuses to eat, and has been swimming from side to side in the tank for hours, like he had never done before.
<Unusual behavior>
I've tried hand-feeding it silver fish, krill, and raw shrimps. He just doesn't eat.
My tank is a 92 gallon, and my lionfish is about 6 inches long. I have 3 tangs and one panther grouper.
<Mmmm>
It is a reef tank.
Is it possible that he is outgrowing the tank?
<More likely the tankmates>
Or is it the beginning of a parasite or any disease?
<Not likely>
Please help, I love this fish!
Thanks,
Gary
<The behavior is indicative of "something" bothering this specimen... that is obviously not bothering your other fish livestock... Likely the presence of the Chromileptis/Panther is "it"... If this were my Lion, I'd move it to another system to see if this "cures" the non-feeding and pacing behavior... and if you don't have such means, I'd trade in either it or the Bass. Bob Fenner>

Lionfish Abscess/Tumor
I must say I have searched your site for some semblance of my problem with my V. Lion by I was unsuccessful.
My Setup:
Recently went from a 55 gallon to 110+ gallon (6 months ago)
110 Gallon - all RO Water/Never Tap
1 Fluval 404
1 Fluval 304
<Mmm, am not a fan of such canister filters use in these sorts (larger, predatory fishes) marine systems>
1 CPR Protein Skimmer riding the back of a 10 gallon sump
Nitrate - ~20 - 30ppm (water change overdue)
Nitrite  - 0
PH ~ 8.0 - 8.2
Ammonia - 0
Water Temp ~78 - 79.1
8 inch V. Lion
Tomato Clown - large
2 Domino Damsels and 1 zebra (initially used to "cycle the new tank" thought they would end up as feeders for the Lion)
Yellow Tang
Wolf Eel - large
Bursa Trigger - new and small
Spotted Grouper - new and small
<A real hungry mix... I would upgrade your filtration, including skimming... stat!>
The tank runs great and looks and everyone seems happy, great water conditions, except for a small amount of red slime which was my fault, left the lights on a little too long; but to get straight to the point. I have had my Lion for about 3 years and a few months ago I found a growth (abscess/tumor like) under one the gills. I went to my local aquarium store and they recommended trying "Marine-Max" an Anti-Oxidant/Disease preventing Probiotic before trying anything else.
<Ho boy...>
This seemed to work after a couple weeks of applications, but recently it has come back and it looks larger then before. The Lion eats well, is active and seems to go about it's day as if there is nothing wrong. So again, I started administering the Marine Max but this time it doesn't appear that it is effective. I do not have a hospital tank and I know better not to medicate the entire tank. Could you please enlighten me on the cause of this infection and possibly the remedy/steps to take to resolve this?
A million thanks!
Joe
<I would try adding a marine supplement that includes vitamins, HUFAs and above all Iodide/ate... Look for such (Selcon, Microvit)... or mix a few of the mainstream manufacturers products that involve all these... I strongly suspect at nutritional deficiency, perhaps a goiter is at play here... and the use of the supplement the real means of a fix here. Bob Fenner>

Funky Lionfish behaviour   12/6/06
Hi everyone,
<Anthony>
    You were kind enough to help me out a couple of months ago with a Blue-cheek Trigger problem, so I figured I'd pick your brains a little more.  I've looked through google and your Lionfish section for something resembling this, but have found nothing.  I have a (I believe) 10" Volitans in a 180 gallon tank with a few friends that have been around for a long time.  Nothing has changed in the tank prior to this behaviour starting.  What the Lion is doing is swimming around with his head above the water surface.
<Not good...>
Eyes, mouth...   it's as if he thinks he's a crocodile or something.  He's bumping into things, and is going into his second eek of being on a hunger strike.  I did read something about a lack of aeration for other behavioural issues,
<Yes... best first guess>
and was wondering if him having his mouth above the surface is a means for him getting air?
<This is a/the theory>
   Someone told me that it's a bad idea to connect the air-intakes to the powerheads.  Can you confirm that?
<Not an issue... very small bubbles are problematical, not ones larger than say 1 mm in diameter>
   I have 4 powerheads being controlled by a Wavemaker Pro in the tank, with plenty of live rock, excellent filtration and decent water conditions: 78 degrees, 1.025 SG, 8.2 pH, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, 5 ppm nitrates.  I tried dropping some ghost shrimp in the tank to get him to eat, but got no response.  His color & body look good.  He's just acting like a freak.    :)
Thanks,
Anthony
<There are other probable causes for the observed behavior... next in line might be that this fish has "swallowed something"... like gravel, a hermit crab... and is suffering duress consequently... I would try adding a dose of Epsom Salt (see WWM re) and keep offering foods that this fish is known to accept... daily. Bob Fenner>

Lion fin problem    11/29/06
Hi,
I have a situation here. I don't know if this is a big problem or small problem. Today I fed my lionfish some krill but he got to excited (Volitans).
He somehow ended up swallowing one of his pectoral fins since they are very big. I tried to get it out with a feeding stick but it's no use. Will the lion digest the fin? Will it kill him?
Thanks,
Ben
<Wowzah! This one is an eager eater! I would make another effort (carefully) to extricate this fin from the fish's mouth... Get a friend to net the fish, raise it to the surface, use the feeding stick to leverage the fin out. Bob Fenner>

Lion Fish Problems... fed feeders, poor env.   8/30/06
Hey guys,
Looked through all discussions on Lion Fish diseases and could not find what our Lion fish has. We got our lion about 2 months ago and he is about 7 inches. We have him in a 125 gallon tank he was in there by himself until yesterday we added our emperor angel to the tank.
<The Angel may pick on this lion>
We feed him feeder fish two to three times a week.
<Not a good idea... likely the principal cause of death of captive Pteroines>
He always looked healthy and was very active. A couple of days ago my husband noticed that on the lions back by his spines some skin was missing and that two of the spines in the same area did not have any skin on them. Almost looked like two new spines were growing. We thought we would keep on eye on him. Today it seems that more skin is eaten away and one of the spines is starting to break off. Water conditions are good, no nitrites, nitrates, etc. prior to noticing this condition we did do a 20% water change. Could a drop in the PH cause any problems?
<Yes>
We are at a loss here as to what this might be? Bacteria Infection, Parasite, Internal Infection? Let me know what you think. Thanks for your time.
Don & Lisa
<Nutritional, environmental. Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/lionfdgfaqs.htm
and here: http://wetwebmedia.com/lionsysfaqs.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>

Lion Dis... no info. - 8/9/2006
Hello,
My name is Angie and I found your e-mail on a website when I was looking for help with my lion fish. I have only had him for 3 days. When I looked at him today it appears that his right eye has a film over it. I am very concerned about this. Do you have any advice for me? Please help I don't want to lose my little buddy.  Thank you Angie
<<Hi Angie. I'd love to help you, but I need more information.  How did you cycle your tank? What size is the tank? SG? Ammonia? NitrItes? NitrAtes? pH? Any general set-up information is helpful. Thanks. Lisa.>>

Re: Lionfish question that had no info previously - 8/10/2006
Oh Thank you..... I know this is going to sound strange to you but I have never run checks on my tank
<<You should.>>
I always take the water in once a week to be checked by the fish store. Amazingly they say my tank always is good. (My trick is I run a fresh water cleaner all the time.)
<<Fresh water cleaner? The problem with getting your LFS to test the waster is that they usually say it’s ‘fine’ or ‘good’. Those subjective terms aren’t helpful, only real numbers are.>>
I have had my tank for 2 years. It is a 55 gallon tank. So I could not give you any of the Ammonia, NitrItes, NitrAtes. I did although have a problem about 3 months ago that killed my tang that I had had for 2 years. (Long story but It was a big booboo I did.) So I started over and tank has done great, had two damsels in there that have been in there for two months, but the lion fish ate them within the past three days. So I am just unsure. Really our fish people here do not know much about the fish they just check the water. Please any advice would help.
<<Without readings I really can’t help much I’m afraid.  This seems like an environmental issue to me, which can be corrected with water changes and proper husbandry, but without knowing the issue, there is little I can say.  Lisa.>>

Sick Lionfish... env., nutr....    7/18/06
Hey guys,
<And gals...>
I have been going through every lion fish article you have and have seen some good info. However I think I may have something that I haven't
seen.  Here it is. I have a lionfish that has been with me for 1 year now.  I have a 55 gallon tank with 10 hermit crabs, 3 turbo snails, 1 Blue Tang, 1 Yellow Tang
<... this system is too small for these fishes...>
2 Hawaiian feather dusters and 1 green Feather duster.  I have a protein skimmer (odyssey) and a trickle filter to a 4 gallon bio ball sump setup.  There are also 2 power heads in there as well.
The levels are as follows:  Nitrates about 10ppm (just did another 5 gallon water change to bring that back down to 0,
<Mmm, ten ppm. is not too "bad"... zero is not achievable here>
PH was low but that is back up to 8.2, nitrites and ammonia are perfect.  There was high phosphates and I have brought that down as well.  The salinity is at 1.022.
<I'd keep this nearer to NSW strength, 1.025>
I used to feed the lionfish gold fish but stopped that after warnings by your team.
<Good>
I started feeding him silversides which he loved, I could see his color get much bett