Dwarf Twinspot Lionfish

Dwarf Twinspot Lionfish

Regular price $79.00
Unit price  per 

  • Common Name: Fu Manchu Lionfish, Ocellated Lionfish, Twinspot Lionfish
  • Scientific Name: Dendrochirus Biocellatus
  • Reef Safe: Yes
  • Temperament: Predator, but peaceful in the right set-up
  • Care Level: Moderate to difficult
  • Max Size: 4 inches

The Dwarf Twinspot Lionfish (Dendrochirus biocellatus), is also known as the Double-Ocellated Scorpionfish, Fu Manchu Lionfish, Ocellated Lionfish, Two-eyed Lionfish and Twospot Turkeyfish. This beautiful dwarf lionfish has red, white, and black vertical stripes along the body. It is unique from other Lionfish because of the two, feeler like tentacles at the corners of its mouth, resembling a Fu Manchu mustache. It has large, fan-like pectoral fins, and tall, quill-like dorsal fins, that have poison glands for protection. When disturbed they raise their feathery fins as a warning and will usually move off out of harm's way, however, if cornered they are able to charge at considerable speed. If stung soak injured area in hot water and seek medical attention immediately.

The twinspot lionfish is known from Mauritius to the Society Islands, north to Japan and south to Australia. It's one of the smaller members of the dwarf lionfish family and grow up to a maximum of 4 inches. A 50-gallon aquarium or more, plenty of live rock hiding places, and be fed a carnivorous diet consisting of live feeder shrimp to first acclimate it to the tank. It will hide while acclimating to its new environment.

At night they are out in the open hunting. When disturbed they raise their feathery fins as a warning and will usually move off out of harm's way, however, if cornered they are able to charge at considerable speed.

When first introduced into the aquarium, live saltwater feeder shrimp should be used to entice this fish to eat. The Fu Manchu Lionfish diet consists of meaty foods such as live shrimp (including ornamental shrimp), live fish, and sometimes, crustacean flesh.