Fuzzy dwarf lionfish
Dendrochirus brachypterus · Scorpaenidae
Also known as Dwarf fuzzy lion, Shortfin lionfish
Intermediate
A sedentary venomous ambush predator that fits a mid-sized tank — never with small tank mates.
In short: A fuzzy dwarf lionfish needs at least 210 L (55 US gal), water at 23–27 °C (73–81 °F) and pH 8.1–8.4. It is semi-aggressive, usually kept singly, and rated intermediate to keep.
- Minimum tank
- 210 L (55 US gal)
- Temperature
- 23–27 °C (73–81 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Adult size
- 17 cm (6.7 in)
- Group size
- 1+
Reef & marine husbandry
- Specific gravity
- 1.023–1.026
- Reef safety
- Reef safe
- With corals
- Ignores coral.
- With inverts
- Eats shrimp and small crabs.
- Minimum in a mixed reef
- 210 L (55 US gal)
- Minimum fish-only (FOWLR)
- 210 L (55 US gal)
- Aggression
- Not aggressive, just predatory. Venomous spines — use a container, not hands.
- Feeding
- Two or three times a week for adults.
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 210 L (55 US gal)
- Temperature
- 23–27 °C (73–81 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Hardness
- 8–12 dGH
- Lifespan
- 5–10 years
- Diet
- Carnivore — silversides, krill, chunks of marine fish; wean off live food.
- Care level
- Intermediate
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Indo-Pacific
- Water type
- Saltwater
- Biotope
- Rubble and sponge-covered reef
- Natural conditions
- Low to moderate flow with caves.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Minimum group
- 1 fish
- Swims
- Bottom
- Good tank mates
- TangsLarge angelsTriggers
- Avoid
- Any fish it can swallowOrnamental shrimp
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Advanced
- Sexing
- Males are larger with longer pectoral rays.
- Notes
- Rarely bred; pelagic eggs.
- Common ailments
- Marine ichNutritional problems from a fish-only diet
Will it fit your tank?
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