Dwarf Lionfish

Description

The Dwarf Lionfish has large pectoral fins with distinct spotted bands. There is usually a short tentacle above the eye and variably developed leafy appendages on the head and lateral line. Body colouration is variable from red to brown. The 13 venomous dorsal spines are about the same length or slightly shorter than the greatest body depth. The Dwarf Lionfish looks similar to the Zebra Lionfish, Dendrochirus zebra. The easiest way to tell them apart is by the lack of spotted bands crossing the pectoral fins of the Zebra Lionfish.

Dwarf lionfish is up to 17 centimetres (6.7 in) in length. Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-10; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 5 - 6. Body reddish with vague broad bars; paired fins with bars; median fins with small dark spots. Mid-dorsal spines shorter than body depth.

Distribution

Indo-West Pacific: from East Africa (Red Sea included) eastward to Tonga; south to Australia; north to Japan.

Habitat

It is common in reef flats and shallow lagoons, in areas with weed-covered rocks on sandy substrates. Adults are often found on sponges and juveniles are sometimes found in small aggregations on remote bommies with 10 or so individuals. It is nocturnal. It feeds on small crustaceans. It occasionally makes its way into the aquarium trade.