Dendrochirus brachypterus
| Common Names: | Dwarf Fuzzy Lionfish Shortfin Lionfish Shortfin Turkeyfish |
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| Family: | Scorpaenidae |
| Category: | OthersSW |
| Distribution: | Indo Pacific; Found from East Africa and the Red Sea, through the Indian Ocean to Tonga, Samoa, the Marianas. Also found as far north as southern Japan, and as far south as Lord Howe Island, Australia. |
| Main Ecosystem: | Reef; Inhabits mature reefs consisting of large aggregations of Acropora and other stony reef-building corals. |
| Temperament: | Predatory; A predatory species, capable of swallowing prey items that are a significant proportion of its own body size if presented with the opportunity. Wild diet consists of small fishes and crustaceans, principally shrimps and small crabs. Exhibits territoriality with conspecifics in modest sized aquaria, though in large quarters a male and several females can be maintained alongside a range of compatible fishes. Does not molest corals or sponges, but should not be housed in a reef aquarium where shrimps and other prized crustaceans are present, as these will be eaten. |
| Diet: | Carnivore; Adapts readily to aquarium feeding, and consumes all animal-ba |
| Care: | Single specimens may be housed in a well-decorated 55 gallon marine aquarium furnished with coral skeletons and live rock, though ideally this fish should be given larger quarters. In large quarters (150 gallons and upwards), multiple specimens (a single male and several females) may be housed together, alongside a range of compatible fish species, which should be the same size or larger than the Lionfishes to avoid them becoming food! Do not house two males together, as the dominant male will eventually kill the subordinate one. Peaceful toward other fish species too large to swallow. An extrovert, inquisitive and intelligent fish, that will explore its surroundings and exhibit considerable curiosity about the aquarist as well as its aquarium companions! Avoid keeping this species with certain Triggerfishes, as Triggers will attack the Lionfishes. Hardy, disease resistant, adaptable, an excellent species to choose as a 'first' Lionfish. SPECIAL NOTE OF WARNING : The first 11 dorsal spines of this and other members of the Genus are constructed in a manner similar to hypodermic needles, and equipped with venom sacs. While envenomation by this fish is unlikely to be fatal to humans, it IS excruciatingly painful! In cases of envenomation, soak affected area in hot water to denature the venom (which consists of a cocktail of proteins that are deactivated by heat), then seek IMMEDIATE hopsital attention. |
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| Potential Size: | Male: 17cm (6.7") Female: 17cm (6.7") |
| Water Region: | Middle; Tends to remain close to rocky and coralline cover in the wild, but in an aquarium setting can be bold and outgoing in open water, particularly at feeding time. |
| Activity: | Diurnal; Usually active at dawn and then at dusk, with 'resting' periods during the day in the wild, but in the aquarium will adapt readily to a diurnal lifestyle. One of the more actively swimming Lionfish species. |
| Gender: | Sexual dimorphism reported in this species by Frank Marini, Ph.D., in Reefkeeping magazine online - males have larger head, pectoral fin tips extending past caudal peduncle (noticeably shorter in females) and 6-10 pectoral fin bands (females have 4-6 bands). |
| Breeding: | Has been reported in captivity: species is a haremic spawner, with one male mating with several females in a manner similar to certain freshwater Cichlids. Reportedly a substratum spawner or open water egg scatterer that does not guard its eggs. Fry considered difficult to raise because of the need to supply large quantities of plankton continuously until they are large enough to eat more substantial morsels. This species is the most frequently reported species of Lionfish spawning in captivity. |
| Variants: | Three principal colour morphs exist: brown (most common), red (less common though still found in good numbers in the trade) and yellow (a rare morph commanding a high price tag, restricted to the Straits of Lembah according to S.W. Michael, an authority on the Family). |
| Comments: | A delightful small Lionfish which makes an excellent, hardy, long-lived aquarium occupant, and one that exhibits the intelligence and sparkling personality for which Lionfishes as a group are renowned. Specimens can become real pets, begging for food and generally showing off in front of their owner. Some specimens reported to take a delight in squirting water at their owners! |
| Main Colours: | Red, White, Black |
| Markings: | Striped Vertical |
| Mouth: | Normal |
| Tail: | Convex |
| Search: | Show similar species Find compatible species |
| Image Credit: | Calilasseia |
| Submitted By: | Calilasseia |
| Contributors: | Calilasseia |
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