Fin's Fish Guide
The Butterfly scorpionfish (Dendrochirus zebra) is a saltwater fish of the family Scorpaenidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Description
The zebra lionfish is a scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae) from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a red-brown body with white crossbars, like a zebra, and large, fan-shaped pectoral fins. It inhabits coral, rubble and rock bottoms of reef flats, sheltered lagoons and caves, sometimes in small groups. By day it shelters; it hunts small fishes and crustaceans. The long dorsal fin spines are venomous and give an extremely painful puncture wound; they serve for defence, not for attack.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Butterfly scorpionfish?
The Butterfly scorpionfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Zebra-like white bands and fan-shaped pectoral fins; venomous dorsal fin spines.
Where does the Butterfly scorpionfish live?
The Butterfly scorpionfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific; coral, rubble and rocky bottoms of reefs and lagoons.
How big does the Butterfly scorpionfish get?
The Butterfly scorpionfish grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.
Is the Butterfly scorpionfish dangerous to humans?
The Butterfly scorpionfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The fin spines are venomous and give a painful, burning puncture wound. Immerse the wound for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) and seek medical care if pain or infection persists.
Is the Butterfly scorpionfish edible?
The Butterfly scorpionfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Dendrochirus
More from the family Scorpaenidae
Want the complete picture on the Butterfly scorpionfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Butterfly scorpionfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.