TankBud

Dwarf zebra lionfish

Dendrochirus zebra

Also known as Zebra Lionfish, Zebra Turkeyfish, Zebra Firefish

SaltwaterFish

Dwarf zebra lionfish (Dendrochirus zebra)
Jens Petersen · CC BY 2.5

Care at a glance

Temperature
72–79°F
22–26°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Adult size
9.8 in
25 cm
Minimum tank
60 gal
227 L
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Middle
Diet
Carnivore
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Common
Reef safe
Not reef safe
Family
Scorpaenidae
Origin
Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea to Indonesia and eastern Australia

Overview

The dwarf zebra lionfish is a banded ambush predator for a rocky marine tank. It is a step up from the easiest fish.

Did you know

The dwarf zebra lionfish has been documented hunting in small cooperative groups of two or three, unlike most lionfish, which hunt alone. Working together, the fish herd prey between them, pin it against the rock and take turns to strike. That level of coordination is unusual among ambush predators.

Caring for the dwarf zebra lionfish

Give a dwarf zebra lionfish at least 60 gal (227 L), with plenty of live rock, caves and overhangs. Use dim or subdued lighting, since bright light seems to stress this species. Keep the water at 72 to 79°F (22 to 26°C) and a pH of 8.1 to 8.4.

Newly acquired fish are often started on live feeder shrimp. Wean them patiently onto fresh or frozen silversides and shrimp.

Like the other dwarf lionfish, it is an ambush hunter that leaves tank mates alone unless they fit in its mouth. Avoid small fish, gobies, and any ornamental shrimp or crab, since none of those are safe around it. It is not reef safe for the tank's other inhabitants, though the coral itself is never at risk.

Its dorsal spines are venomous, with a sting similar to a bad bee sting. Never handle this fish bare-handed. Treat any sting immediately with hot water, then follow up with medical care.

Good to know

The dwarf zebra lionfish, Dendrochirus zebra, is a scorpionfish in the family Scorpaenidae. It is close kin to the fuzzy dwarf lionfish but grows larger, with bolder orange, white and black banding. Its pectoral fins are broader and more heavily marked. All lionfish are immune to each other's venom.

In the wild

The dwarf zebra lionfish lives on coral, rock and rubble bottoms across the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea to Indonesia and eastern Australia. It is found in inshore waters down to about 80 meters. It shelters among reef structure by day and hunts small fish and crustaceans at night.

Common questions

What size tank does a dwarf zebra lionfish need?

A dwarf zebra lionfish needs at least 60 gal (227 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does a dwarf zebra lionfish need?

A dwarf zebra lionfish is comfortable at 72–79°F (22–26°C) with a pH of 8.1–8.4.

What does a dwarf zebra lionfish eat?

A dwarf zebra lionfish eats fresh or frozen silversides and shrimp once weaned. New fish are often started on live feeder shrimp.

How big does a dwarf zebra lionfish get?

An adult dwarf zebra lionfish reaches about 9.8 in (25 cm).

Related species