All fish / Scorpaenidae

Hawaiian Dwarf Lionfish

Dendrochirus barberi

Also known as hawaiian lionfish, green lionfish, barber's lionfish, hawaiian turkeyfish, dwarf lionfish, green dwarf lionfish, ハワイアンドワーフライオンフィッシュ, 夏威夷短鳍蓑鲉

A small, stocky lionfish with mottled greenish brown to reddish colouring and broad fan-like pectoral fins that lack the long separate rays of larger lionfish. It is kept for its unusual looks and calm, sit-and-wait behaviour in a modest reef-style or fish-only tank.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

13 cm

Temperature

22 to 26 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

150 litres

Keep as

Single specimen, or a pair in a larger tank

Diet

Carnivore: live then frozen shrimp, mysis, krill, silversides and other meaty seafood

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Atoll (endemic)

Breeding

Pairs scatter buoyant egg masses in open water after evening courtship, and the larvae are pelagic. Captive breeding is rarely achieved and raising the fry is very difficult.

Good to know

Venomous dorsal, pelvic and anal spines can cause very painful stings, so handle with care. It will eat any fish or shrimp small enough to swallow, and newly imported fish may need to be weaned onto non-live foods.