Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a question about lionfish. Can a lionfish live with a marine betta, dwarf zebra hermit crab, clown tang, and a blue hippo tang in a reef tank? If they can, would you recomend a antenna or a dwarf zebra lion fish in this case? Thanks, it's a real help.

All of the fish you mentioned are very picky eaters, and are not recommended for the beginner hobbyist. The tangs cannot be housed together as the blue hippo tang is very aggressive towards other tangs. The marine betta would probably eat the hermit crab given it's normal diet. Are you an experienced hobbyist?
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Phishie

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

I am a intermidiate at freshwater fish. So, that does say I can't get a marine betta. But, is there an interesting or beatiful fish that can live with a dwarf zebra lionfish, a dwarf zebra hermit crab, or even a tang? Thanks!

Sincerely Sam Hamway

I'm really not trying to beat your idea down, I promise... but I do need to state that saltwater systems are much more difficult if you are not keeping up with your tank maintenance with your freshwater systems. If you have been very good at keeping your water parameters stable, and changing your water every 2 weeks... you should have no difficulties with a saltwater tank.

Now that I've said that...
I think all fish are interesting otherwise I wouldn't be here. I catch your drift though... typically I see only lionfish with other lionfish of the same species. You are aware that lionfish are venomous and can and have left their owners in the hospital right? If so, then you are aware of the risk you are willing to take to have such beautiful and mysterious creatures. I usually see tangs with fish like clownfish, gobies, and damselfish (if my mind serves me correctly on the damselfish). I have never seen a tang with a lionfish.

Have you done research on the dwarf lionfish that you want to keep? If not, please let me know because I would be more than happy to help you find some key pieces online.
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Phishie

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

I am aware that a lionfish is venomous. My whole family will get this tank [I don't know when]. I only know a dwarf zebra lionfish diet [ anything that fits in its mouth].

Well given that you aren't content with the answer that lionfish are usually seen in a tank by themselves, here's a compatibility chart for you.
Live Aquaria Compatibility Chart

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Phishie
Site Coordinator

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."