Animal Species:Dwarf Lionfish, Dendrochirus brachypterus (Cuvier, 1829)

Identification

The Dwarf Lionfish has large pectoral fins with distinct spotted bands. There is usually a short tentacle above the eye and variably developed leafy appendages on the head and lateral line.

The 13 venomous dorsal spines are about the same length or slightly shorter than the greatest body depth.

Body colouration of this species is variable from red to brown.

Size range

The Dwarf Lionfish grows to 15 cm in length.

Similar Species

The Dwarf Lionfish looks similar to the Zebra Lionfish, Dendrochirus zebra. The easiest way to tell them apart is by the lack of spotted bands crossing the pectoral fins of the Zebra Lionfish.

Distribution

It is known from marine waters of the Indo-Pacific.

In Australia it occurs from south-western Western Australia around the tropical north and south to southern New South Wales.

Distribution by collection data

Biomaps map of Dwarf Lionfish specimens in the Australian Museum collection.

What does this mean?

Habitat

It occurs on coastal reefs and in estuaries.

Classification

Species:

brachypterus

Genus:

Dendrochirus

Family:

Scorpaenidae

Order:

Scorpaeniformes

Class:

Actinopterygii

Subphylum:

Vertebrata

Phylum:

Chordata

Kingdom:

Animalia

What does this mean?

References

• Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
• Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
• Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
• Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.

Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated: 7 July 2009

Tags fishes, ichthyology, Dendrochirus brachypterus, Dwarf Lionfish,