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Little Shop of Coral

Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish (Dendrochirus zebra)

Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish (Dendrochirus zebra)

$80.00 CAD
$80.00 CAD
Sale Sold out

The Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish is a compact predator with huge character. It has a bold, “fluffy” look from its fringed fins, a slow hovering swim style, and a strong feeding response once settled. It is a great choice for smaller predator systems or fish-only displays where you want a lionfish without committing to the massive size of a full lionfish species.

Why we love it

  • Classic lionfish look in a smaller, more manageable size

  • Calm, hovering swim style and great display behaviour

  • Hardy predator that usually adapts well once feeding

Suggested parameters

  • Temperature: 24–26°C (75–79°F)

  • Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG

  • pH: 8.1–8.4

  • Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH

  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0

  • Nitrate: Under 20 ppm (lower is better with predators)

Care and temperament

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive (predatory)

  • Reef safe: No (will eat small fish and many shrimp and inverts)

  • Minimum tank size: 55 gallons recommended (larger is better for stability and tankmates)

Diet

Fuzzy lions are carnivores and do best with meaty foods. Many will take frozen foods once established.

  • Frozen mysis (larger portions), krill, chopped shrimp

  • Chopped clam, squid, and quality seafood blends

  • Feed 2 to 4 times per week for adults, smaller individuals can be fed more often in smaller portions

  • Avoid feeder fish when possible

  • Vitamin-enriched foods are a plus

Compatibility and tankmates

  • Keep with fish too large to fit in its mouth

  • Avoid housing with very small fish and a typical reef clean-up crew

  • Generally compatible with other calm predators and larger fish

  • Provide caves and shaded areas, plus open water for hovering

  • Strong filtration is recommended due to higher waste output

Venomous spine safety

Lionfish have venomous dorsal spines. They are not aggressive toward people, but care is required when cleaning the tank or moving rockwork. Use caution and keep hands clear.

What you are buying

  • You will receive: 1 Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish (Dendrochirus zebra)

  • Colour and size can vary between individuals

As with all predator fish, slow acclimation is recommended, and quarantine is encouraged when possible.

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LIGHT

LOW: Place coral at the bottom of the tank. Depending on the type, coral may need to be placed off sand and therefore mounted on a ceramic disc of piece of rock.

MEDIUM: Place coral at mid-range of the tank. Best placed/glued on top of a rock scape at mid-range height. 

HIGH: Place coral from mid range to just below water level. SPS coral are shallow growing so they require and are able to tolerate intense light.

FLOW

LOW: Most soft coral do well with a small, gentle pulse. There are certain corals that can even be placed in areas of indirect flow, meaning places aside a rock structure or set into a entrance to a cave style space.

MEDIUM: Many LPS types of coral prefer medium pulse current. Most Euphyllia or corals that have more tissue structure connected to their skeleton, don’t like to be in a high flow area like the direct flow of the wave pump.

HIGH: Similar to high light, SPS enjoy being in some heavy current. Most LPS and SPS that branch encrust or plate prefer high flow that simulates the top water waves.

SKILL

ENTRY: While some may say beginner level, "Entry" is a good term to be used when starting out in the world of corals and marine life. Prior to adding livestock, you want to ensure that your reef has the proper parameters including zero levels of ammonia and nitrite. Seeing traces of nitrate in your waters is a good sign - just keep them at a lower level of 2ppm to 10ppm. Maintaining correct temperature and salinity are a huge factor to stable parameters. Starting to monitor your PH, alkalinity, calcium and magnesium is a great habit to get into to keep a successful reef.

While some soft coral don’t require too much light, having a proper reef light that puts out the proper pars is very important. You'll also want to have a good amount of flow and protected rock areas, as placing corals in their happy spot is ideal for success.

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