Ocellated Lionfish
Dendrochirus biocellatus
Also known as: Double-ocellated Scorpionfish, Ocellated Lionfish,Twospot turkeyfish, Peixe-leão ocelado, peixe-peru de duas manchas, Twinspot Lionfish
A shy, venomous reef dweller that hides by day and hunts by night.
About
The double-ocellated scorpionfish (Dendrochirus biocellatus) is a small but formidable lionfish relative from the Indo-Pacific, ranging from Mauritius and the Maldives all the way out to the Society Islands and up to southern Japan. Like many of its family, it carries venomous dorsal spines. Something any keeper should keep firmly in mind during tank maintenance. The common name refers to the distinctive eyespot markings that help break up its outline against reef backgrounds, and the camouflage is genuinely good. In the wild this species favors clear, coral-rich water, spending daylight hours tucked inside caves, sponges, and crevices well away from open water. It becomes more active after dark, picking off small fish and crustaceans with the ambush-style hunting typical of scorpionfish. In the aquarium it behaves much the same way. Expect a lot of perching and very little frantic swimming. It will claim a favorite corner or cave and largely stay near it. This is a marine species despite the type field suggesting otherwise, and it belongs in a reef-compatible setup with plenty of rockwork for shelter. Its relatively compact adult size makes it workable in a dedicated carnivore tank, though feeding it prepared foods can take some patience.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Ocellated Lionfish get?
- The Ocellated Lionfish reaches about 3–5" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Ocellated Lionfish need?
- A minimum of 30 gallons is recommended for the Ocellated Lionfish.
- What water parameters does the Ocellated Lionfish need?
- The Ocellated Lionfish does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 8.1–8.4.
- Is the Ocellated Lionfish aggressive?
- The Ocellated Lionfish is semi-aggressive. It can work in a community with careful tankmate choices and enough space.
- What does the Ocellated Lionfish eat?
- The Ocellated Lionfish is a carnivore. It needs a meaty, protein-rich diet of frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Ocellated Lionfish live?
- With good care, the Ocellated Lionfish typically lives 8-15 years.
- Is the Ocellated Lionfish reef safe?
- The Ocellated Lionfish is generally considered reef safe.