Twinspot Lionfish (juvenile)

Dendrochirus biocellatus is a venomos species of marine fish in the family Scorpaenidae.

Description

It has a reddish-brown body with a pair (sometimes three) of large black ocelli on the soft dorsal fin, three pink to yellowish bars on sides, pale and brown bands on pectoral fins, and a very long tentacle in front of the eye.Distinguished eye-like spots in the soft dorsal fin. It grows up to 13 centimetres (5.1 in) in length.

Distribution

Indo-Pacific: Mauritius, Reunion, Maldives and Sri Lanka to the Society Islands, north to southern Japan, south to Scott Reef.

Habitat

An uncommon inhabitant of clear waters rich in corals to depths of 40 m or more. Feeds on small fishes and crustaceans. Secretive and usually observed at night. During the day in caves and sponges, and usually well out of sight.

In captivity, the fish is somewhat shy. Furthermore, it may hide in crevices during daylight. The species has successfully bred in an aquarium.