Fu Man Chu lionfish (Dendrochirus biocellatus) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Fu Manchu lionfish, Twinspot lionfish, Twospot turkeyfish, Ocellated lionfish, Twoeyed lionfish, Nemapterois biocellatus
Family
Scorpaenidae (scorpionfishes and lionfishes)
Origin
Tropical Indo-West Pacific, Mascarenes, Maldives and Sri Lanka to the Marianas, Tuamotus, Japan, New Caledonia and Tonga; clear, coral-rich reefs at 1–40 m.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
13 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
120 litres
Care level
expert
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
with_caution

Care

A small, shy lionfish with two eyespots on the dorsal fin and fleshy tentacles on the upper jaw. It shelters in caves and ledges by day, so provide plenty of rockwork. The 120-litre minimum is our estimate. Considered moderately difficult and not for beginners. Name note: now placed in the genus Nemapterois. Water figures given here are general marine aquarium guidance, not species-specific: 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4 and salinity SG 1.023–1.026, with stable, well-oxygenated water. Safety: the fin spines are venomous. A sting is extremely painful and can cause swelling, nausea and breathing difficulty. Use long-handled tools and a net or container, never bare hands, when working in the tank; if stung, immerse the wound in water as hot as can be tolerated and seek medical help. It stalks prey by hopping on its pelvic fins and lunging, and may wave its jaw tentacles as a lure. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dendrochirusbiocellatus). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Eats small fish, shrimps and other small crustaceans, feeding at night. Can be hard to wean on to frozen foods; try live-enriched then frozen mysis and small prawn.

Breeding

Not covered in our sources; not bred in home aquaria.

Compatibility and tank mates

Reef safe with caution: it leaves corals alone but will eat shrimps, crabs and any fish small enough to swallow. Being small and shy, it is easily outcompeted; keep with calm fish too large to swallow.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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