The short-bearded lionfish mainly eat live food, but they can also gradually change their diet, starting to feed live animals, and then feeding fish and meat. Live shrimp (including ornamental shrimp), live fish, and sometimes a few fresh scallops can be fed daily.

The lionfish usually lives among the rocks on the seabed or in coral reefs It moves slowly and is not good at swimming. When feeding, be careful not to touch their fins, which can sometimes hurt people.