Mombasa Lionfish
Pterois mombasae
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity |
|---|
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Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive |
| Reef Safe | No |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 55 gallons |
| Max Size | 6 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Mombasa Lionfish (Pterois mombasae) is a medium-bodied lionfish from the Indian Ocean with brown-to-red banding and long, wing-like pectoral filaments. It’s often confused with the Antennata Lionfish, but is commonly described as having shorter pectoral fin filaments and larger eyes.
What You’ll Observe:
- Perching on rockwork or under an overhang through much of the day
- More “cruising” and hunting-style movement as the tank lights dim
- Slow, deliberate hovering followed by quick strikes at food
- Increasing food response as it learns your feeding routine
Provide caves/overhangs plus open areas so it can perch and glide comfortably. Offer meaty marine foods using a feeding stick; many specimens start with live shrimp and then transition to frozen seafood pieces. Choose tankmates that are too large to be swallowed and that won’t dominate feeding time.
How do I get a Mombasa Lionfish to take frozen food?
Start with a consistent feeding spot and use a feeding stick to present small, thawed pieces (shrimp, squid, or similar). Many keepers begin with live shrimp, then gradually mix in frozen items so the fish learns the same presentation every time.
Why does it stay under the rockwork for long stretches?
That “perch and watch” behavior is common, especially during brighter parts of the photo-period. It usually becomes more visible at dusk and around feeding time once it settles in.
Do lionfish need a lid or mesh top?
They can lunge hard during feeding and may bolt if startled, so covering openings is a common way to reduce jump-out risk while still allowing gas exchange.
Can I keep it with ornamental shrimp or small crabs?
Many hobbyists report that shrimp and small crustaceans don’t last long once the lionfish is comfortable and hunting. If you want a cleanup crew, larger snails are typically a more predictable choice than shrimp.
Is it normal for a lionfish to “spit” food out or miss strikes?
Yes—especially early on or when pieces are too large. Offer smaller, softer bite-size portions and keep the feeding stick steady so the fish can line up repeated attempts.
Our selection process means you get robust, well-adjusted specimens that settle in quickly.
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