Endemic to Hawaii and Johnston Atoll; coral and rock crevices on seaward reefs and in lagoons to 50 m.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
16.5 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
120 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
with_caution
Care
Give caves and crevices for daytime shelter; it becomes more active at night. 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. Infrequently traded, and all specimens are wild-caught. The IUCN lists it as Least Concern. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dendrochirusbarberi). Checked October 2026.
Diet
Eats small fish and crustaceans. Offer frozen mysis, krill and chopped prawn; feed adults every other day.
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. Keep with fish too large to swallow.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
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Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
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Members must be 16 or over to buy (16 and 17-year-olds with a parent or guardian’s agreement); sellers must be 18 or over.
Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
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