Zebra lionfish (Dendrochirus zebra) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Zebra turkeyfish
Family
Scorpaenidae (scorpionfishes and lionfishes)
Origin
Tropical Indo-West Pacific, Red Sea to Indonesia and eastern Australia; coral, pebble and rock bottoms to about 80 m.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
25 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
250 litres
Care level
beginner
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
with_caution

Care

A hardy dwarf lionfish that rests in shaded spots under rock or coral, so provide overhangs. The 250-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. Once thought solitary, it has been seen living and hunting in twos and threes, herding prey with its fins and taking turns to strike. 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/Dendrochiruszebra). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Eats small crustaceans and fish. Wean on to 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. Small groups are possible in a large tank.

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

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