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Dwarf Lionfish
Dendrochirus brachypterus (Cuvier, 1829)
Above and below: A Dwarf Lionfish at a depth of 18m, Centurion wreck, Sydney Harbour, May 1999. View larger image.
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.
The Dwarf Lionfish grows to 15cm in length.
It is known from marine waters of the Indo-Pacific. In Australia it is found on coastal reefs and in estuaries from south-western Western Australia around the tropical north and south to southern New South Wales.
View a map of the collecting localities of specimens in the Australian Museum Fish Collection.
The Dwarf Lionfish looks similar to the Zebra Lionfish (view fact sheet). The easiest way to tell them apart is by the lack of spotted bands crossing the pectoral fins of the Zebra Lionfish.
Further reading
- 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.
