Zebra Lionfish (Dendrochirus zebra) Care Guide
Dendrochirus zebra is a dwarf lionfish reaching about 25 cm across the Indo-West Pacific. Venomous, nocturnal and known to hunt cooperatively.
Overview
Dendrochirus zebra, the zebra turkeyfish, belongs to the family Scorpaenidae. FishBase records a maximum of 25 cm standard length. It is a dwarf lionfish with bold reddish-brown vertical bars and large fan-like pectoral fins. It is generally easier to feed than the larger Pterois lionfishes.
Taxonomy
- Family: Scorpaenidae
- Genus: Dendrochirus
- Scientific name: Dendrochirus zebra (Cuvier, 1829)
Habitat
FishBase reports an Indo-West Pacific range from the Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa, north to southern Japan and south to Australia and Lord Howe Island. It occurs at depths of about 0 to 115 m (typically 3 to 60 m) on coral, rubble or rock bottoms of reef flats, coastal and outer reefs, in sheltered lagoons and caves.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 400 L (106 gal)
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- GH: 8-12 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-18 years
Diet
Dendrochirus zebra is a carnivore feeding on small crustaceans and fish. Wikipedia reports it can hunt cooperatively in groups of two or three, herding prey with its fins and dorsal spines and taking turns striking, sometimes blowing jets of water at prey.
Compatibility
The species is largely nocturnal. The verified record advises against small fish, ornamental shrimp and aggressive triggers, pairing it with large, robust tankmates.
Breeding
FishBase states the species spawns in pairs, with courtship and spawning at night. Spawning produces a gelatinous mass of 2,000 to 15,000 eggs, with hatching about 36 hours later. Captive breeding is regarded as expert-level.
Venom
FishBase notes the dorsal spines carry poison glands. Wikipedia adds that lionfishes are immune to one another's venom. Handling requires caution.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2015).