As the ocean's most spectacular ambush predators, it is no wonder lionfish are so popular. Their huge fins are used to confuse and herd smaller animals so the lionfish can swallow them whole with their huge mouths. They greedily eat all shrimp many crabs, and any small or slender bodied fish. They do not harm corals, sponges, macroalgae or snails. They generally ignore anything that cannot be eaten. Best tank mates are large bodied fish such as tangs, angelfish, groupers, triggerfish and puffers. Sometimes the slow moving lionfish may become a target for aggressive fish. If added at the same time, and if of similar size, several lionfish may be kept together as long as there is at least one private refuge in the rocks for each fish. Most species are imported from Bali.

The tips of the lionfish's fins contain a toxin that can cause extremely painful wounds. The sting may be as mild as a hornet sting or much worse- great care should be taken when handling the lionfish, and children should never be allowed to put their fingers in the water with the fish.

Lionfish feed by sucking in their food whole into their enormous mouths. They are carnivores and should be fed at least once every two or three days a high quality diet of krill, silversides and chopped seafood. They are heavy feeders and thus strong filtration is necessary. Live food may initially be necessary, and the fish trained to eat off a feeding stick.

The Radiata lionfish is spectacular fish with long white rays on its otherwise dark pectoral fins, which lack any spots or stripes. Its body is covered in wide earthy brown to rust red bands, each one outlined in bright white. Its face is red with a dark stripe running through each eye and extending into long 'horns'. Males and females are visually identical. It grows to 9.5 inches; we recommend an aquarium of at least 75 gallons.

FREE SHIPPING OVER $99.00!*

$9.95 FLAT RATE FOR LESS THAN $99.00 - CANADA AND LOWER 48 US WIDE!

*EXCEPTIONS:

• Light Bulbs over 36" are shipped at a flat rate of $9.95. No quantity Limit. You can ship one or one hundred bulbs for the same price (valid for both Canada and the US).
• Any heavy or bulky items will incur a 100% charge of the actual shipping cost (valid for both Canada and the US). Heavy bulky items include (but are not limited to): salt, dry rock, sand, chillers, sumps, aquariums, stands, and some filter media.
• Frozen or perishable food can only be shipped via UPS Express. We have discounted the express shipping of these items to help the hobbyist out.
• Livestock is covered by a different shipping policy. To view the policy and further information regarding shipping livestock, click here.

General Notes:

• We always make our best effort to ship your order via the carrier chosen during the check-out process; however, for some multi-piece shipments and/or remote destinations, we must reserve the right to use another carrier at our discretion (and without prior notice). If you require notice of any changes made to the carrier, please mention it in the special instructions during check-out.
• Upon request, we will do our best to ship your dry goods as per your specifications (courier, airlines, on your account, etc.).
• Quoted rates are the carriers live discounted shipping rates after adjusting for any/all shipping promotions.

Aquarium Equipment Returns

• All returns and/or exchanges must be made within 14 days of receipt of product.
• Products may only be returned unused, and in original unopened packaging.
• J&L Aquatics reserves the right to charge a non-refundable 20% restocking charge for any/all returned merchandise (excluding exchanges).
• J&L Aquatics will not be responsible for return shipping charges. Original shipping charges are non-refundable. If the item was originally shipped under our free shipping policy, the cost of doing so will be removed from the credit. Before returning/exchanging any goods, we require that you authorize your return with J&L Aquatics. Any items returned without our authorization will be declined.
• In the event that your order is damaged by the carrier, a claim will be filed with the carrier company. Upon approval of the claim by the carrier, your original order will be re-shipped to you at no additional cost. If you wish to return the damaged goods for a refund or credit, the 20% restocking charge will be applied. J&L Aquatics will not be held responsible for any/all shipping delays that may occur from time to time.
• Special order & sale items are not returnable under any circumstances.
• Dry Good Order cancellations may also be subject to a 20% restocking charge.
• Orders that are returned or refunded when using Affirm or similar financing are subject to a 5% service charge of the original order amount including tax.