Dwarf Blackfoot Lionfish

Dwarf Blackfoot Lionfish (Parapterois heterura) is an aggressive predatory species that is not reef-safe as it will consume any fish, shrimp, or crab small enough to fit in its mouth. This compact predator displays subtle brown and cream mottled patterns across its body with elegant, fan-like pectoral fins featuring distinctive black margins on the fin tips, giving it the "blackfoot" common name. The proportionally large head and cryptic coloration make it an ambush specialist that blends seamlessly with rocky environments. It can reach about 5-6 inches in adult size. Best kept in tanks of at least 55 gallons or more, with plenty of caves and rockwork for hiding, moderate water flow, stable water parameters, and caution around the venomous spines which can deliver painful stings despite its smaller size. Its diet should include a mix of live or frozen meaty foods—small fish, mysid shrimp, ghost shrimp—as well as marine pellets once acclimated, though this species often requires live foods initially and can be a finicky eater.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.