Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish
Dendrochirus brachypterus
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Out of Stock | 3 - 4" - Venomous - Indo-Pacific | Original price was: $211.99.$110.99Current price is: $110.99. | Email me | |
| Out of Stock | 2" or smaller - Venomous - Indo-Pacific | Original price was: $122.99.$64.99Current price is: $64.99. | Email me | |
| Out of Stock | 2 - 3" - Venomous - Indo-Pacific | Original price was: $181.99.$95.99Current price is: $95.99. | Email me |
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Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive |
| Reef Safe | No |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 55 gallons |
| Max Size | 8 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish (Dendrochirus brachypterus), also called the Shortfin Lionfish, is a dwarf lionfish known for bold vertical striping and wide, “fuzzy” pectoral fins that it fans while perching on rockwork. It’s an Indo-Pacific, reef-associated ambush predator that spends much of its time hovering near caves and ledges, then making short, controlled bursts when food is presented.
What You’ll Observe:
- Perching on ledges and “posting up” under overhangs for long stretches
- More movement and hunting behavior in the evening and at feeding time
- A short acclimation phase where it uses caves and crevices as a home base
- Learning your routine and coming forward when it recognizes you nearby
Provide rockwork with multiple caves/arches so it can choose a comfortable perch and feel secure as it settles in. Offer meaty marine foods (like thawed shrimp, krill, or fish flesh) with feeding tongs so the food is easy to target, and rotate options to keep meals consistent and reliable. With tankmates, focus on appropriately sized fish that won’t crowd it during feeding, so it can eat calmly and maintain its natural “sit-and-wait” rhythm.
How do I switch mine from live foods to frozen?
Use tongs or a feeding stick and gently “animate” a thawed piece of food in front of its perch so it can key in and strike.
Is it normal for this fish to sit still most of the day?
Yes—many keepers observe long perching periods followed by short, purposeful bursts, especially around feeding time.
How often should I feed once it’s eating well?
Most hobbyists settle into a steady routine (rather than constant offering), using consistent portions and adjusting based on how quickly it finishes each meal.
Why does it seem to “beg,” follow me, or act interactive?
Some individuals quickly associate people with feeding time and will come out to the front when they recognize your presence.
Can I keep more than one Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish together?
It can work in larger systems with planning, but introductions are typically done with careful spacing and attention to size and established perches.
We source from vetted suppliers known for healthy, long-lived specimens.
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