All fish / Scorpaenidae

Zebra Lionfish

Dendrochirus zebra

Also known as zebra dwarf lionfish, dwarf zebra lionfish, zebra turkeyfish, banded lionfish, dwarf lionfish, zebra lion fish, caution, ปลาสิงโตลายม้าลาย, キリンミノ, ikan lepu zebra, 斑马短鳍蓑鲉, 斑马狮子鱼

This is a small lionfish with reddish-brown and white vertical bands, wide fan-like pectoral fins and long venomous dorsal spines. Keepers like it because it is hardy and full of character, and it stays small enough for a mid-sized reef or fish-only tank.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

18 cm

Temperature

23 to 28 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

Single specimen, or a pair in a larger tank

Diet

Carnivore: live then frozen shrimp, mysis, krill, silversides and chopped seafood, trained onto dead foods

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 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 scatter buoyant gelatinous egg masses in open water after a courtship display at dusk. Spawning has been seen in aquariums, but raising the tiny pelagic larvae is very difficult and rarely achieved.

Good to know

The fin spines are venomous and a sting is very painful, so handle with care and seek medical help if stung. It will eat any fish or shrimp small enough to swallow, so keep it only with larger tankmates.