Dendrochirus barberi (Steindachner, 1900)
Hawaiian lionfish
Dendrochirus barberi
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes or rockfishes), subfamily: Pteroinae
Max. size:  16.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 50 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Eastern Central Pacific: restricted to the Hawaiian Islands and Johnston islands.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 13-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 5-5. Large pectoral fin, upper rays branched distally; dorsal fin spines longer than 1/2 body depth, membranes deeply incised. Scales ctenoid with about 50-55 vertical scale rows. Coronal spines present; some branching of head spines in large specimens. Suborbital ridge a single row of spines, not as broad patch of tiny spinules. Supraocular tentacle when present short, less than orbit diameter and usually absent; without black band.
Biology:  Found under ledges in turbid lagoons and clear seaward reefs (Ref. 9710). Collected in depths from near shore to about 50 meters (Ref. 10482). Benthic in crevices and caves during day, or sometimes benthopelagic at night, at 1-134 m (Ref. 58302).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 03 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  venomous
Country info:   
 


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