Zebra Lionfish
Dendrochirus zebra
The Zebra Lionfish is a stunning dwarf predator with expansive, venomous pectoral fins and striking striped patterns. It peacefully coexists with large tankmates but easily swallows smaller fish.
Température de l’eau
24 - 28 °C
Valeur du pH
8.1 - 8.4
Type d'eau
Marin
Niveau dans le bac
Fond et milieu
Taille adulte
25 cm
Volume minimal du bac
>= 300 L
Groupe minimal
>= 1
KH
4 - 6 dKH
Description de l'espèce
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Tropical MARINE species distributed in the Indo-Pacific (from the Red Sea and East Africa to Polynesia and Australia). Inhabits shallow coastal lagoons, rocky outcrops, and coral reefs, hiding under overhangs by day.
Taxonomy and Morphology: Zebra Turkeyfish / Zebra Lionfish (Dendrochirus zebra). A dwarf lionfish (Scorpaenidae family). Possesses spectacular expanded pectoral fins united by thin membranes and very long hollow spiny dorsal rays, connected to venom glands.
Social Behavior: Mostly nocturnal/crepuscular ambush predator. By day it stations lazily and upside down under overhanging rocks. It is peaceful towards fish it cannot swallow, but will instantly gulp down anything that fits into its immense mouth.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Compact body marked by alternating reddish-brown and white vertical bands (Zebra pattern). The broad pectoral fins show dark concentric rings. No visual sexual dimorphism; males may be slightly larger and territorial with each other.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
Aquarium Setup: Marine aquarium of at least 150-200 liters (40-55 gallons). Create a landscape rich in live rock with large caves and darkened overhangs where it can rest by day. Can be kept in a Fish Only (FO) or Reef tank.
Diet and Feeding: Macro-predatory carnivore. Difficult to wean onto dead food: initially requires small live crustaceans or fish (e.g. brackish Guppies, Ghost shrimp). With patience, it will habituate to whole krill, shrimp, and squid offered via tongs (weaning).
Water Quality: Resilient for a marine fish, tolerates slight nitrate accumulations. Standard marine parameters: salinity 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4. Avoid strong direct currents, prefers moderate flows.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: Technically "Reef Safe" for corals, but will ruthlessly devour small fish (small Clownfish, Chromis) and ornamental shrimp (Lysmata). Keep with fish larger than 10 cm (4 inches), such as medium Angelfish, Tangs, or Moray Eels.
Aquarium Breeding: Very complex. Releases two massive floating gelatinous masses containing thousands of eggs (egg masses) after an evening courtship ritual near the surface. Rearing pelagic larvae requires specialized rotifer feeding.
Risks and Diseases: VENOMOUS (moderate-high level). An accidental sting with the dorsal rays causes acute pain and severe swelling in humans. Handle the tank with extreme care. Risk of starvation if not habituated to dead food.
Origine et répartition géographiques
Tropical MARINE species distributed in the Indo-Pacific (from the Red Sea and East Africa to Polynesia and Australia). Inhabits shallow coastal lagoons, rocky outcrops, and coral reefs, hiding under overhangs by day.
Origine
Océans tropicaux et récifsAfrique et MadagascarEurope, Méditerranée et Asie occidentaleAustralie, Nouvelle-Guinée et Océanie
Profil de poisson
- Tempérament
- Semi-aggressive
- They possess a peaceful disposition towards any tankmates that are too large to be eaten. They are not naturally aggressive or territorial towards other fish species, relying on their potent venomous spines solely for self-defense. However, their predatory instincts are strong, and they will relentlessly hunt down anything small enough to consume.
- Régime alimentaire
- Omnivore
- Their natural diet is strictly carnivorous, focusing heavily on small crustaceans and occasional small fish. Aquarists must provide a varied and high-quality diet of frozen marine meaty foods, such as enriched brine shrimp, Mysis shrimp, and chopped seafood. Training them to accept frozen foods from a feeding stick is highly recommended to ensure they receive adequate nutrition without relying on live foods.
- Espérance de vie
- 10 years
- Taille adulte
- 25 cm
- Ratio des sexes
- Solitary
- They are best kept singly to avoid any potential territorial conflicts, especially in smaller aquariums. In very large setups, a single male can sometimes be kept with one or more females, but careful observation is required. Adult males are generally intolerant of other males and will fight aggressively if forced to share a confined space.
- Fréquence d'alimentation
- Twice daily
- A feeding schedule of 2 to 3 times per week is optimal for maintaining the health of a Zebra Lionfish. They are gorge feeders that consume large meals at once and require several days to properly digest the food. Providing daily meals can lead to obesity, liver issues, and ultimately a shortened lifespan in captivity.
- Charge biologique
- High
- Like its close relatives, the Zebra Lionfish contributes heavily to the aquarium's bioload due to its carnivorous diet and substantial waste output. Keeping the water chemistry stable requires diligent maintenance, including the use of a high-capacity protein skimmer. Regular siphoning of detritus and partial water changes are essential to prevent the accumulation of nitrates and phosphates.
- Courant
- Moderate
- Dendrochirus zebra needs steady, moderate circulation distributed across the aquarium rather than a narrow, forceful jet. Marine aquarium of at least 150-200 liters (40-55 gallons). Create a landscape rich in live rock with large caves and darkened overhangs where it can rest by day. This preserves useful water exchange while retaining calmer shelter for rest and feeding.
- Risque de saut
- Yes
- The Zebra Lionfish is not considered a jumping hazard under normal aquarium conditions. Their instinct when frightened is to flare their venomous spines and retreat into the rockwork rather than bolting upward. While an open-top tank is usually safe, a mesh screen can provide an extra layer of security.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Breeding in the home aquarium is extremely uncommon, though they follow the typical lionfish pattern of producing pelagic egg masses. Courtship involves the male displaying his fins and darkening in color to attract a female. The resulting larvae are incredibly small and require specialized care and microscopic live feeds to have any chance of survival.
- Compatibilité et compagnons
- With caution
- This fish is well-suited for a community of larger, non-aggressive marine fish that cannot be swallowed. They pose a grave threat to small species like damselfish, small blennies, and ornamental crustaceans, which will be treated as food. They are generally ignored by most other fish, but can be targeted by large, aggressive angels or puffers that may nip their spines.
- Niveau dans le bac
- Middle/Bottom
- These fish are primarily bottom dwellers that also utilize the lower half of the aquarium's rockwork. They are highly adept at clinging to vertical rock faces and are often found resting upside down under ledges during the day. As ambush predators, they prefer to stay close to the structure where they can blend in and wait for prey to pass.
Modèles et paramètres scientifiques
FishBase
Fenêtre sur les données scientifiques officielles de l’espèce
FishBase v25.04Données synchronisées le : 15/06/2026
- Niveau trophique
- 4 ± 0,66 se
- Résilience
- Moyenne (1,4 - 4,4 ans)
- Singularité phylogénétique (PD50)
- 0.75
- Relation bayésienne longueur-poids
- a = 0.01, b = 3.02
- VulnérabilitéVulnérabilité faible (21 / 100)
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