{"product_id":"lionfish-fuzzy-dwarf-dendrochirus-brachypterus","title":"Lionfish Fuzzy Dwarf (Dendrochirus Brachypterus)","description":"\u003ch2 data-path-to-node=\"0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eDwarf Fuzzy Lionfish (\u003ci data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"22\"\u003eDendrochirus brachypterus\u003c\/i\u003e)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"1\"\u003eThe \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"4\"\u003eDwarf Fuzzy Lionfish\u003c\/b\u003e is widely considered the most \"personable\" and popular of the dwarf lionfish species. While it shares the exotic, venomous beauty of its relatives, the \"Fuzzy\" is famous for its puppy-like behavior—often recognizing its owner and following them along the glass. It earns its name from the textured, leafy appendages on its fins and body that give it a \"fuzzy\" or ragged appearance, which is perfect for camouflage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eKey Information\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/b\u003e Dwarf Fuzzy Lionfish, Shortfin Lionfish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"17\"\u003eDendrochirus brachypterus\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/b\u003e Indo-Pacific (Red Sea to Philippines and Indonesia)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMax Size:\u003c\/b\u003e 13–15 cm (approx. 5–6 inches)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,4,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,4,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/b\u003e 10+ years\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,5,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,5,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,5,0\" data-index-in-node=\"13\"\u003eSemi-aggressive\u003c\/b\u003e (Peaceful toward fish it cannot swallow)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,6,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,6,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,6,0\" data-index-in-node=\"6\"\u003eCarnivore\u003c\/b\u003e – Ambush predator\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,7,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,7,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/b\u003e Moderate (due to feeding requirements)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"6\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Identification\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eThe Fuzzy Lionfish is easily distinguished from the Zebra Lionfish by its stockier build and fin structure:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe \"Fuzzy\" Texture:\u003c\/b\u003e Its pectoral fins are not as \"fan-like\" as the Zebra's; they are shorter and more rounded, with ragged edges that look like feathers or leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eColor Morphs:\u003c\/b\u003e Most are a mottled \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"33\"\u003ereddish-brown and white\u003c\/b\u003e, but rare and highly sought-after \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"91\"\u003eYellow Morphs\u003c\/b\u003e occasionally appear in the trade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSexual Dimorphism:\u003c\/b\u003e This is one of the few lionfish you can sex visually. \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"73\"\u003eMales\u003c\/b\u003e typically have larger pectoral fins with more bands (usually 6–10), while \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"153\"\u003efemales\u003c\/b\u003e have smaller fins with fewer bands (usually 4–6).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Tank Compatibility\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"11\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"11,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"11,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eOwner Interaction:\u003c\/b\u003e Unlike many ambush predators that hide, the Fuzzy is quite active once settled. They are known to \"beg\" for food and spend significant time in the open.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"11,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"11,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe \"Mouth Rule\":\u003c\/b\u003e Like all lions, if a tank mate (fish or shrimp) can fit in its mouth, it is considered food. They can swallow fish surprisingly close to their own body size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"11,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"11,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eReef Safe (with Caution):\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"11,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"26\"\u003e100% safe with corals.\u003c\/b\u003e However, they will eat all ornamental shrimp and small crabs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"11,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"11,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eTank Mates:\u003c\/b\u003e Excellent with \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"11,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"27\"\u003elarger Tangs, Foxfaces, and Angelfish\u003c\/b\u003e. Avoid keeping them with aggressive \"fin-nippers\" (like some Damsels or Puffers) as the lionfish's long fins are an easy target for harassment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"12\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"13\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"13\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eIdeal Tank Setup\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"14\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"14,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/b\u003e A minimum of \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"24\"\u003e115L (30 Gallons)\u003c\/b\u003e for a single specimen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"14,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eRockwork:\u003c\/b\u003e Provide plenty of \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"28\"\u003eoverhangs and caves\u003c\/b\u003e. They love to hang upside down from the \"ceiling\" of a cave during the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"14,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFiltration:\u003c\/b\u003e Because they are \"messy\" eaters (high protein diet), a \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"67\"\u003eoversized protein skimmer\u003c\/b\u003e is necessary to maintain water quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"14,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSubstrate:\u003c\/b\u003e They are comfortable with sand or bare bottoms, but sand is more natural for their environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"15\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"16\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"16\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eDietary Needs: The Feeding Transition\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"17\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"17,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"17,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe Challenge:\u003c\/b\u003e Most Fuzzies arrive only eating live food (ghost shrimp or feeder fish).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"17,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"17,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe Goal:\u003c\/b\u003e Transition them to \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"17,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"29\"\u003efrozen meaty foods\u003c\/b\u003e like mysis, krill, silversides, or chopped squid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"17,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"17,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe Method:\u003c\/b\u003e Use a \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"17,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"18\"\u003eclear acrylic feeding stick\u003c\/b\u003e to wiggle frozen food in front of them. This mimics the movement of live prey and triggers their \"strike\" reflex.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"17,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"17,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFrequency:\u003c\/b\u003e Feed \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"17,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"16\"\u003e3–4 times a week\u003c\/b\u003e. Do not overfeed, as lionfish have slow digestions and are prone to impaction if fed every day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"18\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"19\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"19\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSafety Warning\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cblockquote data-path-to-node=\"20\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"20,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"20,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003e[CAUTION]\u003c\/b\u003e The spines of the Dwarf Fuzzy Lionfish contain a \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"20,0\" data-index-in-node=\"59\"\u003epotent protein-based venom\u003c\/b\u003e. A sting is extremely painful. \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"20,0\" data-index-in-node=\"117\"\u003eAlways\u003c\/b\u003e keep track of where the fish is when placing your hands in the tank. If stung, soak the area in hot water (approx. 45°C) and seek medical advice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"21\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"22\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"22\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eWhy Choose the Dwarf Fuzzy Lionfish?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"23\"\u003eThe Fuzzy Dwarf is for the hobbyist who wants an \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"23\" data-index-in-node=\"49\"\u003einteractive \"pet\" fish\u003c\/b\u003e rather than just a decoration. Its unique texture and \"bulldog\" face make it incredibly endearing. For a medium-sized reef tank that doesn't house small shrimp, it is a hardy, long-lived centerpiece that never fails to impress guests.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aquaristic Online","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45781922119914,"sku":"18683","price":90.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0854\/0866\/files\/Fuzzy-Dwarf-Lionfish.jpg?v=1768206969","url":"https:\/\/www.aquaristiconline.com.au\/products\/lionfish-fuzzy-dwarf-dendrochirus-brachypterus","provider":"Aquaristic Online","version":"1.0","type":"link"}