All fish / Scorpaenidae

Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish

Dendrochirus brachypterus

Also known as dwarf lionfish, fuzzy lionfish, shortfin lionfish, short-finned lionfish, dwarf scorpionfish, fu manchu lionfish, dendrochirus, caution, ネッタイミノカサゴ, ikan lepu, 短鳍蓑鲉, 短鳍狮子鱼

This is a small, stocky lionfish with wide, fan-like pectoral fins and bands of red, brown and cream across its body. It stays much smaller than the common lionfishes, so it suits mid-sized reef or fish-only tanks. Keepers like its calm, sit-and-wait habits and its striking look.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

15 cm

Temperature

23 to 27 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

115 litres

Keep as

Single, 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

8 to 10 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Indo-West Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa, north to Japan and south to Australia

Breeding

Pairs court at dusk and release floating egg masses that hatch into tiny planktonic larvae. Spawning happens now and then in aquaria, but rearing the larvae is very difficult and seldom achieved.

Good to know

The fin spines are venomous and a sting is very painful, so take care when working in the tank. It will eat small fish and shrimp that fit in its mouth, and newly imported fish often have to be weaned from live food onto frozen.