Dendrochirus zebra has not been evaluated for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.. Geographical distribution, habitat and habits The anal fin has three spines and about ten soft rays. How lionfish will affect native fish populations and commercial fishing industries has yet to be determined, but invasive species generally have a very big negative impact on native ecosystems and local fishing economies. Dendrochirus zebra is known under several different names in English, such as Zebra Lionfish, Zebra Firefish, and Zebra Turkeyfish.It is a member of the family Scorpaenidae where you will find the scorpionfishes. In humans the venom can cause symptoms such as severe pain, nausea, difficulty breathing, and convulsions. Lionfish are a non-native species in the Atlantic ocean. T he Zebra Lionfish (Dendrochirus zebra) or Dwarf Lionfish is also known as the Zebra Turkeyfish. Zebra turkeyfishes are widespread throughout the tropical waters of the Indo-West Pacific including the Red Sea. At least one leading ichthyologist (fish biologist) prefers to apply the name Turkeyfish to the genus Pterois , and the name Lionfish to a different Scorpionfish genus, but most people seem to use the two common names almost interchangeably. They have 13 venemous spines on their bodies (also called fin rays) that are used both as a defence mechanism and to hunt prey. These fish are slow-moving and peaceful, but can be dangerous. APPEARANCE . Turkeyfish is one of the many common names that is used for lionfish around the world. With their fins spread out they make a colourful sight. Dendrochirus zebra, known commonly as the Zebra turkeyfish or Zebra lionfish among other vernacular names, is a species of marine fish in the family Scorpaenidae. Turkeyfish is one of the many common names that is used for lionfish around the world. Leave a comment Upload image See Google Images Photograph Info. Lionfish are a non-native species in the Atlantic ocean. Zebra Lionfish, Dwarf Lionfish / Dendrochirus zebra SCIENTIFIC NAME - Dendrochirus zebra COMMON NAME - Zebra Lionfish (Dwarf Lionfish) SIZE - 7.1" ( 18 cm) MIN. The zebra turkeyfish, more commonly known as a luna lionfish, is found in tropical water in the western Pacific ocean, especially around Japan and Mauritius. 267. They have 13 venemous spines on their bodies (also called fin rays) that are used both as a defence mechanism and to hunt prey. Alan Sutton. AQUARIUM SIZE - 30 US Gal. These other fish in the genus Pterois also are referred to as Turkeyfish or Lionfish, depending on geographical location and who's doing the talking or writing. It has thirteen venomous spines along its back used to defend itself, and can reach a maximum length of 24 cm. The zebra turkeyfish, more commonly known as a luna lionfish, is found in tropical water in the western Pacific ocean, especially around Japan and Mauritius. Zebra Lionfish-Facts and Photographs.