Fuzzy dwarf lionfish (Dendrochirus brachypterus) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Dwarf lionfish, Short-finned turkeyfish, Shortspine scorpionfish, Shortspine rockcod
Family
Scorpaenidae (scorpionfishes and lionfishes)
Origin
Indo-Pacific, Red Sea to South Africa, Samoa, the Philippines and Australia; reef flats and lagoons among weedy rocks, 1–80 m.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
18 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
120 litres
Care level
beginner
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
with_caution

Care

A popular small lionfish. Give caves, sponges or overhangs for daytime shelter. The 120-litre minimum is our estimate. 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. Sexing: the list notes that males and females differ in the number of bands on the pectoral fins, with about six as the dividing line; treat this as a rough guide. Juveniles may gather in small groups of up to ten. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dendrochirusbrachypterus). Checked October 2026.

Diet

A carnivore that hunts small crustaceans at night. Wean on to frozen mysis, krill and chopped prawn; feed adults every other day.

Breeding

Pairs form to mate and it has laid eggs in captivity, but rearing the young has proved very difficult.

Compatibility and tank mates

Reef safe with caution: it leaves corals alone but will eat shrimps, crabs and any fish small enough to swallow. Keep with fish too large to swallow; small groups can work in a larger tank.

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

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