Scorpionfishes Lionfishes and Much More for Marine Aquariums Diversity, Selectio

Scorpionfishes are amongst the most readily recognizable marine denizens by aquarists and lay people alike. Many species are beautifully and cryptically marked and colored, and fancifully shaped. Bear in mind also that these fishes are mostly immobile, and often missed due to camouflage. Some of the Lionfishes are amongst the most frequently kept marine aquarium specimens. Others, like the gorgeous Rhinopias species are greatly prized (and priced!) for their magnificence. Most all Scorpionfishes are feared for their spininess and venomous potential; and with good cause. These "Mail-Cheeked" fishes are well-suited for captive systems; shipping and adjusting well, accepting available types of foods, resisting disease and adapting to a wide range of water conditions. However, of the some thirteen hundred twenty described species, the majority of Scorpaeniform fishes are unattractive; too drab and for their venomous nature best avoided by hobbyists. Unknown by many aquarists is the full-spectrum of hardiness of this family of fishes; some quite hardy for our use; but how can you tell which species and individual specimens to avoid? Herein is my collection of first and second-hand observations on what the BFs are, where the species lie left or right of being generally hardy, and copious notes on how to pick out healthy specimens and maintain them.