Zebra Lionfish

About

The butterfly scorpionfish (Dendrochirus zebra) is one of the more manageable members of the lionfish family, but don't let its smaller stature fool you. This is still a predator with attitude and a set of venomous dorsal spines that demand respect. Found across Indo-Pacific reefs, it tends to tuck itself into crevices, under ledges, and among coral rubble during the day, doing most of its active hunting at night or in dim light. The body is banded in alternating reddish-brown and cream or white stripes, and the oversized pectoral fins are broadly fan-shaped, giving it that distinctive butterfly-like silhouette when it spreads them wide. In the aquarium, it rarely bothers fish that are too large to swallow, but anything small enough to fit in its mouth is fair game. And that mouth is bigger than it looks. Shrimp and small fish tankmates are not safe. Getting one to switch from live food to frozen or prepared meaty offerings can take patience, but most individuals do come around with persistence. This is a species for intermediate keepers who understand the venom risk during handling and maintenance, and who can commit to meeting its carnivorous dietary needs long-term.