Dwarf Lionfish and Puffer...Suggestions? Experiences?

[MatthewLaw]

Greetings All- As my 50g tank continues to cycle I am constantly thinking of how I would like to stock this tank. I came upon the idea of a Dwarf Lionfish as the 'center fish' for the tank but would like to put a puffer in too.

Any experiences with this type Lionfish? What puffers would you suggest? This will probably be a FOWLR tank (due to inhabitants)

Thanks. -Matt

[Myaj]

Er, no, probably a bad idea.

Lionfish are poisonous, so if the puffer decides to chomp on it, by by all tank inhabitants if I understand correctly.

And a 50 gallon tank isn't that big, there aren't many saltwater puffers that would fit in there with room for a dwarf lion.. maybe a valentini? I would think a GSP would be too aggressive.

[Pufferpunk]

I've had sucess with a dwarf fuzzy & Valentini.

[MatthewLaw]

Thanks for the help.

Pufferpunk--- did you have any other inhabitants in the tank? What order did you introduce the fish to the tank?

Thanks!!

[Jay.B.]

how coincidental that a thread of this nature should appear as I too am considering getting a Fu Manchu to go in with my (not so ickle any more) Bonzo.

I have been talking to various people about this, and the main concern isn't the fish getting along, as one is more nocturnal than the other so shouldn't get too much in each others way, but getting the dwarf lions to eat... anything at all...

My first choice was a fuzzy dwarf, but seeing as even they get up to about 8" and would be able to, when fully grown, swallow a perc or two I decided the Fu'ey would be a better option as they only get up to about 4" but should still be the last fish introduced.

Regarding having this fish a the "centre piece", it might turn out a little disappointing, dwarf lions tend to hide quite a lot during the daylight hours, becoming more active in the evening/night. It hasn't put me off wanting one though, but then I already have my "centre piece" fishies

[dab335]

I had a fuzzy dwarf with a porc puffer. They did fine together. I do think it all depends on the personality of each particular fish. My porc didnt want to have anything to do with anyone else in the tank and the fuzzy dwarf basically ate and just sat on top of his perch!

[pufferfreak]

How big do the fuzzies get?

It may work. lots of hiding places might help.

[MatthewLaw]

Thanks for the help everyone. I have been reading about the Dwarf Lionfish and besides a fear of tankmates getting stung, there is also that issue of them being eaten!!

I have read that tangs can be good tank mates BUT tangs require 60+ gallons. some have suggested a snowflake eel and/or picasso trigger??

ON THE OTHER HAND, others have not had any problems with their dwarf lionfish and tankmates (whether clowns/ royal gramma/ etc).

There is also the larger issue of getting them to feed....

[pufferfreak]

No trigger. The picasso is a very aggressive trigger.

[MatthewLaw]

6" i believe...BUT most people recommend getting tankmates that are at least as large as the lionfish....

[MatthewLaw]

hmmm ok no picasso....the dwarf lionfish puts owners with tanks less than 60g+ inbetween a rock and a hardplace!

the dwarf lionfish can be kept in tanks that are at least 30g but a little larger is a good idea....

YET (in general) most fish that can be kept with a dwarf lionfish needs a tank that are at least 60g+

[pufferfreak]

The valentini puffer would work. They are neat puffers. But yes the picasso would probably go nuts on your lionfish.

[Pufferpunk]

Tangs need 90+ gallons. I think the lion was last into my tank. Please reconsider a FuManchu. They are verry difficult to get to eat & will probably have to be fed live foods forever.

[pufferfreak]

When you feed saltwater fish live foods, do you breed silversides?

[MatthewLaw]

i was considering the Dwarf Lionfish, Dendrochirus zebra (not the Dendrochirus biocellatus --fumanchu).

i would start feeding with frozen mysis shrimp that I would defrost (like I use for my puffers)