Description:

Dorsal spines: 13; Dorsal rays: 9-10; Anal spines: 3; Anal rays: 5-6

A robust full-bodied fish with large fan-shaped pectoral fins and prominent, long dorsal spines. Mid-dorsal spines shorter than body depth. The pectoral
fin rays lack filaments. There is a short tentacle above the eye and variably-developed leafy appendages on the head and along the lateral line.

Colour: A mottled reddish-brown with darker bars on the body, 8-10 distinct bands on the pectoral fins. Small black spots edged with red on the filaments 
extending from the dorsal spines.
 

Size:

Maturity: Lm Unknown. Max length: 17.0 cm TL.
 

Habitat and Ecology:

Inhabits reef flats and seagrass beds in shallow lagoons, associated with weed covered rocky substrates (1-80 m). Nocturnal, shelters in caves, crevices, 
under ledges or amongst sponges during the day. Solitary or in small groups. Forms pairs during courtship. Feeds on small crustaceans.

Fishery Status:

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is not subject to the artisanal fishery.
 

Notes:

Venomous. Do not touch! Dorsal fin spines are venomous and can cause very painful injury.
Photographed off Curieuse Island, Seychelles.

References:

ALA. Dendrochirus brachypterus (Cuvier, 1829). https://bie.ala.org.au/species/https://biodiversity.org.au/afd/taxa/81aaaeef-55ff-4cf6-95ad-6757767fb7d1 (28/09/22). 
Bray, D.J. (2017). Dendrochirus brachypterus in Fishes of Australia, https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/3209 (28/09/22). 
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2022). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/4912 (28/09/22).  
Mason-Parker, C. et al. (2021). Dendrochirus brachypterus in Reef Fishes of Seychelles. John Beaufoy Publishing Ltd, UK.
Motomura, H. & Matsuura, K. (2016). Dendrochirus brachypterus. The IUCN Red List 2016: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T69793633A69800927.en. (28/09/22).
 

Citation:

Mason-Parker, C. & Nevill, J.E.G. (2022). Dendrochirus brachypterus , Dwarf lionfish. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/dendrochirus-brachypterus-cuvier-1829/