How difficult is it to keep Shortfin turkeyfish?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

What is the ideal temperature for Shortfin turkeyfish?

The ideal temperature for Shortfin turkeyfish is 21〜27℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

How large does Shortfin turkeyfish get?

Shortfin turkeyfish typically reaches Up to 17 cm TL as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Shortfin turkeyfish?

Shortfin turkeyfish feeds on: Carnivore (small crustaceans). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Shortfin turkeyfish?

The price of Shortfin turkeyfish varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Shortfin turkeyfish

Intermediate

Neochirus brachyptera

A small lionfish with reddish-brown mottling and large fan-like pectoral fins; the dorsal spines are shorter than the body depth. It hunts crustaceans at night, and its dorsal spines are venomous.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

21〜27℃

Size

Up to 17 cm TL

Diet

Carnivore (small crustaceans)

About

The shortfin turkeyfish or dwarf lionfish (Neochirus brachyptera) is a small scorpionfish of the Indo-West Pacific, from India and Sri Lanka east to Tonga and north to Japan (FishBase). It was long placed in Dendrochirus as D. brachypterus, and that name is still widely used in the aquarium literature and trade, but WoRMS now places it in Neochirus. It reaches 17 cm TL. The body is reddish with vague broad bars, the large pectoral fins are banded, and the mid-dorsal spines are shorter than the body depth. It lives on shallow reef flats and lagoons among weed-covered rocks on sand, hiding by day and hunting small crustaceans at night. The dorsal spines are venomous and cause a painful sting, so take care during tank maintenance. Provide caves and ledges and keep water flow gentle. Once it accepts meaty frozen foods it is easy to keep and can be housed in a relatively small tank. It does not harm corals but eats small fish and ornamental shrimp. It is a staple small lionfish in Japanese specialist shops.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Size of the Shortfin turkeyfish

The Shortfin turkeyfish grows to Up to 17 cm TL.

Temperature & humidity for the Shortfin turkeyfish

The ideal temperature for the Shortfin turkeyfish is 21〜27℃.

Basic Info

Origin

Indo-West Pacific (India and Sri Lanka to Tonga, north to Japan)

Size

Up to 17 cm TL

Temperature

21〜27℃

Care Specifications

Water Temp.: 21–27℃
Specific Gravity: 1.02–1.026
Min. Tank: 110 L

Semi-aggressiveWith caution

Sources: FishBase (Neochirus brachyptera) / Saltcorner Fish Library (Bob Goemans)

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Neochirus brachyptera (Cuvier, 1829)

Synonyms: Dendrochirus brachypterus (Cuvier, 1829), Pterois brachyptera Cuvier, 1829

Authority databases: WoRMS · GBIF · GBIF · WoRMS · FishBase

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

Not listed in the CITES Appendices (checked on Species+). Not designated as an Invasive Alien Species under Japanese law. It also occurs along the coasts of Japan (southern Japan, the Ryukyu Islands, etc.); collecting in Japan is subject to each prefecture's fisheries adjustment regulations. Never release aquarium animals into the sea.

Sources: Species+ (CITES) / Ministry of the Environment: List of Designated Invasive Alien Species / FishBase

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.