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DWARF LIONFISH FACTS |
Description
The Dwarf Lionfish has large pectoral fins with distinct spotted bands. There is usually leafy appendages on the head and along the lateral line, with a short tentacle above the eye. There are thirteen venomous spines on the back, and spine length is similar or slightly longer than body depth. The body is orange-red to reddish brown with indistinct broad bars. The Dwarf Lionfish is similar in appearance to the Zebra Lionfish, but the Zebra Lionfish does not have spotted bands across the pectoral fins.
Other Names
Shortfin Turkeyfish
Size
length to 15cm
Habitat
reef flats and shallow lagoons, prefers areas with weedy rocks on sandy bottom. Adults often found on sponges. Depth range 0 - 68m
Food
Nocturnal. Feeds on small crustaceans
Range
The Dwarf Lionfish is found in marine waters of the Indo-Pacific. In Australia it is found from south-western Western Australia around the tropical north and south to southern New South Wales.
Classification
| Class: | Actinopterygii | | Order: | Scorpaeniformes | | Family: | Scorpaenidae | | Genus: | Dendrochirus | | Species: | brachypterus | | Common Name: | Dwarf Lionfish |
Relatives in same Genus
Zebra Lionfish (D. zebra)
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