Glossary:
The Dwarf lionfish is an entertaining and unique saltwater fish that’s great to add to many tanks. There are actually a few species within the Dwarf lionfish genus, and while they’re popular among aquarists, there are some things to keep in mind before purchasing this fish.
Here you’ll find out whether this fish is right for you in our helpful care guide.
Surprisingly, despite its naturally predatory nature and reputation as an invasive species, the Dwarf lionfish is perfect for most reef tanks. They won’t nip at your corals, so you don’t have to worry about them causing damage to these invertebrates. However, you will need to practice caution when adding Dwarf lionfish to a tank with crustaceans. Generally, you’re better off not keeping them in a tank with crustaceans that may serve as prey.
Dwarf lionfish, as the predatory “lion” part of their name would suggest, like to hunt for their food. They have large mouths that allow them to consume pretty large fish and crustaceans. There are plenty of types of food that you can give to your Dwarf lionfish, including octopus, shrimp, crabmeat, squid, and lobster tail, and you can train them to eat prepared and frozen foods.
The Dwarf lionfish should have plenty of space to roam within your tank. As such, you should have a tank that’s at least 50 gallons. In addition to size, consider hiding ability. Your Dwarf lionfish should also have plenty of locations to hide within your tank, but it will become less shy as it adapts to your tank.
Like other lionfish, the Dwarf lionfish thrives in colder environments. This particular species is naturally found living anywhere between South American and North Carolina in the U.S., meaning they can live in anything from the warmer waters of the Caribbean to the cooler waters of the Atlantic, with the ability to live in water as cold as 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius).
The Dwarf lionfish, like other lionfish, is venomous. Specifically, it can inject venom through the dorsal fin’s spine. While this venom isn’t powerful enough to kill humans, it can cause some irritation and the pain resembles that of a bee sting. This venomous nature is why you shouldn’t feed your lionfish by hand.
The Dwarf lionfish tends to be a bit on the pricier side, but it’s not the most expensive fish, and you’ll find a fairly wide price range depending on the size and rarity of the fish, among other factors. You can find this fish for sale for around $60 to over $100 at many places, but some places may sell them for even more. You can find the best price by shopping around and comparing prices.
Here are some facts about the Dwarf lionfish that might interest you:
The Dwarf lionfish gets along well with certain tank mates, but you need to practice some caution.
If you want to keep more than one Dwarf lionfish in your tank, you may be able to maintain a large male and multiple females, but two or more males could pick fights with each other.
Other types of tank mates for your Dwarf lionfish could include:
The Dwarf lionfish is available from many online stores, with some of the places selling this fish including:
The Dwarf lionfish may be costly and potentially dangerous to handle, but it’s beautiful to watch and can complement the rest of your saltwater tank’s inhabitants with the right care.