Lionfish are impressive animals and many people would love to keep such beautiful fish in their marine aquarium. However, these fish grow very large and are not suitable for many aquariums. The pygmy coral devil can offer a solution in these cases.
The genus Dendrochirus
The genus Dendrochirus belongs, just like the genus Pterois (lionfish), to the family Scorpaenidae (scorpion fish). The genus Dendrochirus is best known as pygmy lionfish, which shows their relationship to the greater lionfish. Dwarf lion devils are mainly found in the Indian and Pacific oceans. As far as is known, the genus consists of six species.
Dwarf coral devils in the marine aquarium
For all dwarf coral devils, careful thought must be given to their purchase. They are predatory fish that will catch other smaller fish in the aquarium, but shrimp and crabs are not always safe from these predators. In addition, dwarf coral devils are poisonous animals that can seriously injure their owners with their spines. Of the six known species, some are more common in the aquarium trade than others. Only the Dendrochirus tuamotuensis is, as far as is known, never offered. This fish will therefore not be described below.
Hawaiian pygmy lionfish (Dendrochirus barberi)
- Length: 16.5 cm
- Temperature: 22-25 degrees
- Food: Small live fish, frozen food
- Aquarium size: About 500 liters
Very little is known about the Hawaiian pygmy lionfish. It occurs sporadically in the trade. It is likely that it has the same nutritional requirements as Pterois (lionfish) species, although it appears to be more likely to accept substitute food. This fish is a bit shy in the aquarium and likes to stay in caves. They can be kept with several copies, but often fight with related (dwarf) lionfish.
Dendrochirus bellus
- Length: 17 cm
- Temperature: 22-24 degrees
- Food: Small fish, live mysis, sometimes frozen food
- Aquarium size: About 800 liters
This fish likes slightly dim lighting. He can get used to frozen foods. Do not feed the fish freshwater fish as this can cause kidney and liver damage. The fish is rarely available commercially.
Eyespot dwarf lionfish (Dendrochirus biocellatus)
- Length: 12 cm
- Temperature: 22-28 degrees
- Food: Live small fish, shrimp, mysis
- Aquarium size: From 100 liters
This strain is difficult to get used to as a substitute for food, but it is always worth a try. The eyespot dwarf lionfish is the smallest of all dwarf coral devils and can therefore be kept in smaller aquariums. These fish are nocturnal and often hide in dark places during the day. They can be kept solitary or as a couple. There are stories that these fish do better in smaller aquariums without other fish, because they are easier to feed. If they are kept together with other fish, a large aquarium is required. This fish is occasionally offered in the trade.
Shortfin dwarf lionfish (Dendrochirus brachypterus)
- Length: 17 cm
- Temperature: 22-28 degrees
- Food: Small fish, shrimps, crustaceans
- Aquarium size: About 500 liters
The short-finned lionfish often hangs under overhanging stones during the day. It is relatively easy to get used to replacement food. The animal usually leaves other fish alone, but it is better not to keep it with fish that can fit in its mouth. The fish is commercially available with some regularity.
Striped pygmy lionfish (Dendrochirus zebra)
- Length: 18 cm
- Temperature: 22-25 degrees
- Food: Small fish and shrimps
- Aquarium size: About 1500 liters
This fish is mainly active in screening and at night, during the day it hangs in a dark corner. The striped red lionfish is difficult to get used to substitute food, but it is worth a try. Do not feed the fish with freshwater fish, which can cause kidney and liver damage. This fish is regularly offered on the market.