Coral Reef
Scorpionfish / Lionfish
More details
Black Peacock Lionfish (Pterois volitans var.)
Pro
Pro
Description
A striking variation of the common lionfish, the Black Peacock features darker, more velvety banding and flowing fan-like fins. It demands large spaces, careful feeding, and experienced handling due to its venomous spines and predator nature.
Difficulty Level
Expert Only
Region
Black Peacock Lionfish (Pterois volitans var.)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Needs a spacious tank, careful tankmate selection, and trained feeding. Venomous and high waste output.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Often wild-caught. Introduced populations in some regions have become invasive. Captive-bred options are available but less common.
Origin
Native to the Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and northern Australia. Now invasive in the Atlantic and Caribbean.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Large, imposing body with exaggerated pectoral fins, vertical striping, and an elegant “peacock” sweep when in motion. The black variation deepens its dramatic presence.
Purpose
Functions as a visual centerpiece in predator displays. Serves as an educational ambassador for invasive species and venomous reef predators.
Importance
A bold choice for advanced hobbyists seeking a long-lived, visually commanding fish. Teaches advanced care and predator dynamics in reef-adjacent environments.
Included Resources
Requires strong filtration and protein skimming. Needs live rock caves for security. Tank should be covered to prevent jumping. Uses UV sterilizer or ozone for pathogen control.
Best Use Cases
Large predator-focused aquariums or public display tanks. Not reef-safe. Should not be housed with small fish or shrimp. Can be paired with eels, groupers, or puffers in big systems.
Conservation Context
Though not endangered, the species is invasive in parts of the western Atlantic, harming native reef populations. Supporting captive care helps raise awareness and reduce releases.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Snowflake or zebra morays
• Marine angelfish
• Large triggers (non-aggressive)
• Groupers or large hawkfish
• Avoid with nano fish or shrimp
Region (A)
• Latitude: 1.9200° S
• Longitude: 138.8000° E
(North Papua – coastal reef slopes)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 18.2208° N
• Longitude: -66.5901° W
(Captured/invasive — Caribbean Sea, Puerto Rico region)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Black Peacock Lionfish (Pterois volitans var.)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Needs a spacious tank, careful tankmate selection, and trained feeding. Venomous and high waste output.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Often wild-caught. Introduced populations in some regions have become invasive. Captive-bred options are available but less common.
Origin
Native to the Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and northern Australia. Now invasive in the Atlantic and Caribbean.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Large, imposing body with exaggerated pectoral fins, vertical striping, and an elegant “peacock” sweep when in motion. The black variation deepens its dramatic presence.
Purpose
Functions as a visual centerpiece in predator displays. Serves as an educational ambassador for invasive species and venomous reef predators.
Importance
A bold choice for advanced hobbyists seeking a long-lived, visually commanding fish. Teaches advanced care and predator dynamics in reef-adjacent environments.
Included Resources
Requires strong filtration and protein skimming. Needs live rock caves for security. Tank should be covered to prevent jumping. Uses UV sterilizer or ozone for pathogen control.
Best Use Cases
Large predator-focused aquariums or public display tanks. Not reef-safe. Should not be housed with small fish or shrimp. Can be paired with eels, groupers, or puffers in big systems.
Conservation Context
Though not endangered, the species is invasive in parts of the western Atlantic, harming native reef populations. Supporting captive care helps raise awareness and reduce releases.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Snowflake or zebra morays
• Marine angelfish
• Large triggers (non-aggressive)
• Groupers or large hawkfish
• Avoid with nano fish or shrimp
Region (A)
• Latitude: 1.9200° S
• Longitude: 138.8000° E
(North Papua – coastal reef slopes)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 18.2208° N
• Longitude: -66.5901° W
(Captured/invasive — Caribbean Sea, Puerto Rico region)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Black Peacock Lionfish (Pterois volitans var.)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Needs a spacious tank, careful tankmate selection, and trained feeding. Venomous and high waste output.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Often wild-caught. Introduced populations in some regions have become invasive. Captive-bred options are available but less common.
Origin
Native to the Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and northern Australia. Now invasive in the Atlantic and Caribbean.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Large, imposing body with exaggerated pectoral fins, vertical striping, and an elegant “peacock” sweep when in motion. The black variation deepens its dramatic presence.
Purpose
Functions as a visual centerpiece in predator displays. Serves as an educational ambassador for invasive species and venomous reef predators.
Importance
A bold choice for advanced hobbyists seeking a long-lived, visually commanding fish. Teaches advanced care and predator dynamics in reef-adjacent environments.
Included Resources
Requires strong filtration and protein skimming. Needs live rock caves for security. Tank should be covered to prevent jumping. Uses UV sterilizer or ozone for pathogen control.
Best Use Cases
Large predator-focused aquariums or public display tanks. Not reef-safe. Should not be housed with small fish or shrimp. Can be paired with eels, groupers, or puffers in big systems.
Conservation Context
Though not endangered, the species is invasive in parts of the western Atlantic, harming native reef populations. Supporting captive care helps raise awareness and reduce releases.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Snowflake or zebra morays
• Marine angelfish
• Large triggers (non-aggressive)
• Groupers or large hawkfish
• Avoid with nano fish or shrimp
Region (A)
• Latitude: 1.9200° S
• Longitude: 138.8000° E
(North Papua – coastal reef slopes)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 18.2208° N
• Longitude: -66.5901° W
(Captured/invasive — Caribbean Sea, Puerto Rico region)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Black Peacock Lionfish (Pterois volitans var.)
Region
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