Mombasa Lionfish

Pterois mombasae

Identification	Reddish-brown body with white vertical banding and heavily fringed pectoral fins. Shorter and more compact than the Volitan Lionfish. Dark spot pattern on the inner pectoral fin.
Maximum Length	Up to 8 inches (21 cm)
Origin	Indian Ocean — East Africa, Persian Gulf, Sri Lanka
Minimum Tank Size	75 gallons
Reef Compatible	With caution — will eat small fish and shrimp

Behavior

A smaller, less commonly kept lionfish species. Like all lionfish, it is an ambush predator that lurks among rocks and waits for prey to come within striking distance. Peaceful toward fish too large to eat. Hardy once established.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivore. Must be weaned from live food onto frozen. Start with live ghost shrimp, then transition to frozen mysis, silversides, and krill on a feeding stick. Once trained, a reliable and enthusiastic feeder.

Cautions

Venomous spines — intensely painful sting. Never handle without protection. Will eat any fish or shrimp small enough to swallow.