Name: LIONFISH - DWARF FUZZY Dendrochirus brachypterus
SKU: 10813
Availability: OutOfStock

LIONFISH – DWARF FUZZY Dendrochirus brachypterus

$119.99 – $129.99

The Dwarf Fuzzy Lionfish, also known as the Shortfin Lionfish or simply Dwarf Lionfish, is native to the Indo-Pacific. It gets its name from the quirky “fuzzy” appearance of its facial appendages, pectoral fins and dorsal spines. This lionfish typically comes in red to brown color forms, but in rare circumstances, some individuals can sport yellow patches of coloration. The Dwarf fuzzy lionfish may be confused with the Dwarf Zebra Lionfish (Dendrochirus zebra), which can also be referred to as just a Dwarf Lionfish. Some distinguishing characters are that the pectoral fins of a Dwarf fuzzy lionfish have dark bands across them, where this is absent in the Dwarf zebra lionfish. Additionally, while Dwarf fuzzy lionfish can have some large stripes on their bodies, these are usually fewer and less pronounced compared to the Dwarf zebra lionfish. A nocturnal species, it is not uncommon for your Dwarf fuzzy lionfish to spend time hiding under an overhang during the daytime until it acclimates to the environment. An adult Dwarf fuzzy lionfish can reach a size of approximately 5 to 7″, making them a more manageable alternative to larger lionfish species. Lionfish are sensitive to copper based medications. Caution: Dwarf fuzzy lionfish have a series of venomous spines on their dorsal, pelvic and anal fins that are used in defense. If stung, the sensation is similar to a bee sting but more potent. Remove any part of the spine from the affected area (if applicable) and put the wound underneath the hottest water you can tolerate (not scalding) for 15 – 20 minutes; this breaks down the venom proteins. Then seek the appropriate medical attention. For those that are sensitive to stings, seek medical attention immediately.

*We cannot ship Lionfish species to the state of Florida.

Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Reef Compatible: No

General Description: The Dwarf Fuzzy Lionfish, also known as the Shortfin Lionfish or simply Dwarf Lionfish, is native to the Indo-Pacific. It gets its name from the quirky “fuzzy” appearance of its facial appendages, pectoral fins and dorsal spines. This lionfish typically comes in red to brown color forms, but in rare circumstances, some individuals can sport yellow patches of coloration. The Dwarf fuzzy lionfish may be confused with the Dwarf Zebra Lionfish (Dendrochirus zebra), which can also be referred to as just a Dwarf Lionfish. Some distinguishing characters are that the pectoral fins of a Dwarf fuzzy lionfish have dark bands across them, where this is absent in the Dwarf zebra lionfish. Additionally, while Dwarf fuzzy lionfish can have some large stripes on their bodies, these are usually fewer and less pronounced compared to the Dwarf zebra lionfish. A nocturnal species, it is not uncommon for your Dwarf fuzzy lionfish to spend time hiding under an overhang during the daytime until it acclimates to the environment. An adult Dwarf fuzzy lionfish can reach a size of approximately 5 to 7″, making them a more manageable alternative to larger lionfish species. Lionfish are sensitive to copper based medications. Caution: Dwarf fuzzy lionfish have a series of venomous spines on their dorsal, pelvic and anal fins that are used in defense. If stung, the sensation is similar to a bee sting but more potent. Remove any part of the spine from the affected area (if applicable) and put the wound underneath the hottest water you can tolerate (not scalding) for 15 – 20 minutes; this breaks down the venom proteins. Then seek the appropriate medical attention. For those that are sensitive to stings, seek medical attention immediately.

Diet Requirements: Dwarf fuzzy lionfish are carnivores. In most cases, lionfish need to be offered live food as a precursor to frozen foods. We recommend giving live ghost shrimp a high quality flake food before feeding them to a lionfish so that they have greater nutritional value. Use a pair of tongs to hold the prey in front of the lionfish so that it begins to associate the tongs with feeding. Some lionfish may turn away or be startled at first, but consistency is key. Once your Dwarf fuzzy lionfish is interested in frozen foods, appropriate options will vary depending on the size of the individual. Examples include brine shrimp, squid, mysis shrimp, krill, and chopped fish to maintain optimal health and coloration. Because lionfish don’t actively swim throughout the day in the water column, they can be target fed every other day. Note: While we strive to offer Dwarf fuzzy lionfish that are eating strictly frozen foods, or a combination of frozen foods and live foods, it is not uncommon for them to revert back to only accepting live foods for a period of time due to the stress of a new environment.

Care Requirements: A minimum 30 gallon aquarium is ideal for smaller specimens; a larger individual may be more comfortable in 55 gallons or greater. Lionfish appreciate some live rock in the aquarium, especially a cave or two to hang in during the day and at night. Dwarf fuzzy lionfish can be kept solitary or in small groups, so long as there is not harassment within the group. For the best chance at success of keeping a group, adding all individuals at once into the aquarium is ideal. Mixing other genera of lionfish should be approached with caution because of their larger adult sizes. Compatability with other dwarf lionfish species (Dendrochirus; Zebra or Fu Manchu) is variable. Dwarf fuzzy lionfish will consume invertebrates and fish small enough to fit in their mouths, making them unsuitable for reef aquariums or small aquariums that may contain such fish species. Unlike the versatility of Volitan lionfish, the Dwarf fuzzy lionfish should not be kept with overly aggressive tank mates. A more laid back aquarium is ideal, so long that tank-mates are chosen accordingly (i.e., cannot be eaten). Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.

Purchase Size: Small: 2″ or less; Medium: 2-1/4″ to 3-1/4″

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.

Dry goods orders are shipped via US Postal Service or UPS to the address provided at checkout based on the selection made in your website shopping cart. Product is carefully packed to help prevent any damage during shipping. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number, and delivery notification. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.

Perishable items (i.e. live plants, refrigerated/frozen foods) are shipped via US Postal Service 2-3 day to the address provided at checkout for a $25.00 flat rate charge. Items are packed with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more perishable items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $25.00 perishable shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.

Livestock (i.e. fish, invertebrates, coral) are shipped via UPS Overnight to the address provided at checkout for a $55.00 flat rate charge. Livestock is packed in insulated styrofoam boxes with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more livestock items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $55.00 livestock shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Livestock is shipped Monday through Wednesday ONLY (no weekend delivery is available) weather permitting, and we reserve the right to delay shipping until conditions are appropriate for safe arrival. Once your order is placed we will contact you to arrange the best shipping date based on these criteria. Someone must be available to receive the livestock order on the first delivery attempt. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.

For mixed dry goods/perishable & livestock orders items will be shipped via their corresponding shipping methods outlined above. Dry goods will be shipped via US Postal Service or UPS based on your selection and checkout, while livestock will ship via UPS Overnight for a $55.00 flat rate charge. You will receive separate notifications and tracking numbers for the dry goods and livestock. Please note due to different carriers and shipping methods dry goods and livestock may arrive on different days.

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