Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish: Complete Care Guide

This article discusses all the Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish, also known as the Short-fin Lionfish or the Dwarf-Lionfish. They are an incredible addition to your saltwater aquarium. So, let's discuss everything you need to know about the Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish, as described by Brock Leonard:

Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish

Price: You will have to spend at least $60 to get one of these in your tank.

Tank Size: This fish needs about a 55-gallon tank so that they have plenty of room to run back and forth and swim around.

Care Level: Dwarf-Lionfish have a moderate care level, and the only problem people have with them is getting them to eat. They can be very stingy when first introduced into a new tank. Therefore you need a few techniques to give them food which we will discuss further down the road.

Temperament: They are semi-aggressive. Though small, they are still Lionfish which makes them predatory. So, you always want to make sure that its tankmates can stand on their own.

Reef Compatibility: You can put them in a reef tank but only with caution. The main reason for this is because they will eat smaller fish and shrimp and any other invert that they can get in their mouth. They also perch sometimes, so if they start laying on your corals, your corals will probably not like it.

But, other than that, you can keep them in a reef tank, but you have to choose the tankmates accordingly. The basic rule of thumb for these Lionfish is if any invert or fish can fit in its mouth, its' very likely that he will eat it.

Maximum Size: They can get about 7-inches, which makes it a pretty good size fish. But growing to its full length would take some time.

Color: They have a dark, almost maroon color with white stripes running all up and down their body. They look like water-zebra.

Water Parameter

  • Temperature: 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit
  • dKH: 8-12
  • pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Salinity: 1.020-1.025

Care Guide

Diet: They are a carnivore, and this is what comes into play in trying to keep fish healthy and happy in your aquarium. Shrimps from the grocery stores are an excellent option; frozen, un-seasoned packs of shrimps will also be good. Clams are also a great option. Another popular choice is Silver Side.

In the beginning, they might not be enticed by the dead food floating in the tank. So, a lot of time, you might need to give them some feeder shrimps at the beginning, as it will lure the fish into chasing after them. Then, once you have success with feeder shrimp, continually try to feed dead food in between, and with time, they will get accustomed to eating the grocery-bought food.

Origin: They come from Indonesia.

Compatibility: If you want multiple of them in a tank, you definitely can. You just want to make sure that they are getting plenty to eat and have plenty of room to swim around. The Dwarf Lionfish is not going to chase after any fish. Though they are not territorial over anything, if you have Tangs, Angles, and other fish in the tank, they will go together. It is also great for predator tanks, so if you have a tank for Trigger and Puffers, this could be a good addition.

Venomous: The top spine on the Dwarf Lionfish holds venom, and they can stab you, so be extra careful while handling them. Also, while cleaning the tank, make sure where it is.

Live Rocks: You want to have an open tank with your life to rock, but still with places to hide in, like caves and over-arches would be great to have in the tank along with this fish. Eventually, they get used to the tank, and then they will recognize you whenever you come up to the tank, and they'll come up and meet you.  

If you still have some specific questions about the Fuzzy Dwarf Lionfish, leave a comment below, and we will get back to you soon.

Happy Fishkeeping!

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