The Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish (Dendrochirus brachypterus) is one of the most popular lionfish species for home aquariums due to its smaller size and unique "fuzzy" appearance. Here's a complete care and description guide:
🦁🐟 Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish – Overview
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Scientific Name: Dendrochirus brachypterus
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Common Names: Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish, Shortfin Lionfish
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Family: Scorpaenidae
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Origin: Indo-Pacific – reefs and lagoons
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Size: Up to ~6 inches (15 cm)
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Lifespan: Around 8–10 years in captivity
🌊 Tank Requirements
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Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for a single, 50+ gallons for multiple or community setups
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Aquascape: Plenty of live rock and caves for hiding; moderate open space for hunting
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Lighting: Low to moderate — prefers dimmer conditions
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Water Parameters:
🧠 Temperament & Compatibility
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Temperament: Semi-aggressive; generally peaceful toward tank mates that are too large to be eaten
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Tank Mates: Avoid small fish and shrimp — if it fits in their mouth, they will eat it
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Reef Safe: Technically yes — doesn’t nip corals, but not safe with ornamental shrimp or small inverts
🦐 Diet
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Type: Carnivore (ambush predator)
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Feeding in Captivity:
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Frozen foods like silversides, mysis shrimp, krill, chopped squid
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Live ghost shrimp or guppies can be offered occasionally to encourage feeding
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Feeding Frequency: 3–4 times per week
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Pro Tip: Can be weaned off live food with patience; use tongs to mimic movement of prey
📝 They’re slow, deliberate hunters — don’t house with overly fast/aggressive eaters.
⚠️ Special Considerations
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Venomous: The spines are venomous — painful (though rarely dangerous) if stung. Use extreme care during tank maintenance.
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Lid Required: Not known to jump often, but a lid is still a good idea
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Behavior: Very personable fish once established, often recognizes the aquarist and comes out during feeding time
🌟 Fun Fact
They're called “fuzzy” because of their frilly, brush-like pectoral fins and tentacle-like appendages that give them a shaggy, lion-like look — super cool and dramatic swimmers.
