Feeding Dwarf Lionfish

WMR · May 1, 2019

Totally agree with lion king & vetteguy53081, stick with frozen, especially dwarfs & the like.

BadPanda · May 1, 2019

vetteguy53081 said:
I would try to stick to frozen as once it eats live, it can or may go after tankmates for a meal. Krill, silversides and small shrimp are other good choices

That's what I'm hoping not to happen. I might just to live if he starts to refuse eating. Thanks

BadPanda · May 1, 2019

well consensus/experience wins. thanks a lot guys

vetteguy53081 · May 1, 2019

BadPanda said:
I was going to pick up some lrs frozen but only had rod's. The rod's I picked up wasn't that bad. Just had cut some to smaller pieces. Turns out, my lion only fancies shrimp. Added some scallops and lion definitely gave me the look. I'll try to offer some again. After rod's though, I finally saw a lump on his belly. Safe to say that he's good for couple of days.

Yes- full for a day or two

Easy E · May 1, 2019

I had the exact same species. It wouldn't eat at all for about a week . Then I discovered it preferred a certain sized frozen krill. Too big or too small got completely ignored. Didn't like it chopped up either. So I had to find the right seized krill, and drop it in so it would slowly sink or drift through its field of vision. I believe this triggered the ambush feeding instinct, which is what you should be looking for. After a while, it became acclimated to feeding time and began to expect and actually pursue the drifting krill. It got less picky on the size as well. Then my LFS started stocking extra large frozen Mysis. I believe it was the Hakiri brand. This turned out to be the perfect food because they were all about the right size. I would look for those if you can find them. Feeding live is an extra hassle you don't need.

coralbeauties · May 1, 2019

Is anyone keeping one of these guys in a full on reef tank? I have always loved lions. Had one years ago but not in a reef.
jeff

BadPanda · May 1, 2019

@Easy E luckily it's not picky about size. To him, if it looks like shrimp, it must be shrimp. lol. Current using pe mysis cubes with rod's frozen.

@jjoos99 mine is currently in a reef setup with lamarck angel, two clowns, fire fish and some cleaner shrimps. Granted it's only 2 inches and jr pick it. Ones it becomes a little bigger, I'll put him on a separate tank with the possibility of an angler mixed it. I like how its keeping me in check whenever I stick my hand down there.

PhilT · May 2, 2019

BadPanda said:
@Easy E luckily it's not picky about size. To him, if it looks like shrimp, it must be shrimp. lol. Current using pe mysis cubes with rod's frozen.

@jjoos99 mine is currently in a reef setup with lamarck angel, two clowns, fire fish and some cleaner shrimps. Granted it's only 2 inches and jr pick it. Ones it becomes a little bigger, I'll put him on a separate tank with the possibility of an angler mixed it. I like how its keeping me in check whenever I stick my hand down there.

I’d worry about the cleaner shrimp and fire fish.