Zebra turkeyfish (Dendrochirus zebra)

Classification (WoRMS)

Full classification as recorded by WoRMS: Kingdom: Animalia · Phylum: Chordata · Class: Teleostei · Order: Perciformes · Family: Scorpaenidae · Genus: Dendrochirus.

Accepted name: Dendrochirus zebra · Authority: (Cuvier, 1829) · Taxonomic status: accepted · AphiaID: 218053.

Synonyms and superseded combinations recorded for this taxon: Brachirus zebra (Cuvier, 1829); Brachyrus zebra (Cuvier, 1829); Dendrochirus sausaulele Jordan & Seale, 1906; Pseudomonopterus zebra (Cuvier, 1829); Pterois zebra Cuvier, 1829.

Source: World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) — https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=218053 (CC BY 4.0). Accessed 2026-09-25.

Biology and life history (FishBase)

Measured values published by FishBase for Dendrochirus zebra. Only fields the database actually holds for this species are shown; these are database values, not aquarium guidance.

Maximum length: 25 cm · Depth range: 0–115 m · Habitat zone: reef-associated · Body shape: fusiform / normal · Vulnerability index: 20.5 of 100 · Fishery importance: minor commercial · Aquarium trade: commercial.

FishBase notes: Found on coral, rubble, or rock bottoms of reef flats (Ref. 9710); also in coastal to outer reef habitats in sheltered lagoons and in caves, sometimes in small aggregations. Usually shallow, from 3-60m (Ref. 30874) but also reported to 80 m depth.

Pelagic stages travel great distances and expatriate to sub-tropical zones (Ref. 48635). Spawned in captivity (Ref. 37816). Spines with poison glands (Ref. 125576).

Source: FishBase species summary (SpecCode 5828) — https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Dendrochirus-zebra.html (CC BY-NC 3.0 — non-commercial use only). Accessed 2026-09-25.

Distribution and occurrence records (GBIF)

2,799 georeferenced occurrence records for Dendrochirus zebra are published through GBIF from 40 countries or marine areas. The map above plots 351 distinct locations from a sample of 2,799 records, omitting 69 inland records that carry an institution's coordinates rather than a collection site; it shows where the species has been observed and reported, not a modelled range.

Most records by country or area: Australia (602); Indonesia (537); Japan (282); New Caledonia (277); Philippines (269).

The full country table, WoRMS marine regions and the sampling notes are on this species' Distribution page.

Source: GBIF Occurrence Search (taxonKey 2334538) — https://www.gbif.org/occurrence/search?taxon_key=2334538&has_coordinate=true (records CC0 / CC BY); WoRMS distribution records (MarineRegions) — https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=218053 (CC BY 4.0); Natural Earth 110m basemap — https://www.naturalearthdata.com/ (public domain). Accessed 2026-09-25.

Conservation status (IUCN Red List)

The IUCN Red List assesses Dendrochirus zebra (Cuvier, 1829) as Least Concern (code LC). No trend, population estimate or threat analysis is given here, because none is available from this source without the Red List API; follow the source link for the full assessment, including its date.

Source: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (taxon 69793953) — https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/69793953/0; GBIF IUCN Red List category endpoint (taxonKey 2334538) — https://api.gbif.org/v1/species/2334538/iucnRedListCategory. Accessed 2026-09-25.

Description and natural history (Wikipedia)

The zebra turkeyfish is widespread throughout the tropical waters of the Indo-West Pacific, including the Red Sea.

Description

The zebra turkeyfish is a scorpaenid fish with vertical stripes in orange, white, and black on its body, and large, banded, fan-like pectoral fins that flare out on either side as the fish lies on the seabed. The front dorsal fin is made up of 13 tall, quill-like spines and the second dorsal fin has 10 or 11 soft rays.

The anal fin has three spines and about 10 soft rays. The second dorsal fin, the anal fin, and the rounded caudal fin are transversely banded in black and white. This fish grows to a maximum length around 25 cm.

Distribution and habitat

The zebra turkeyfish is native to the Indo-Pacific region from the Red Sea to Indonesia and eastern Australia. It is found in inshore waters down to a depth of about 80 m. It is a bottom-dwelling species and is found on coral, pebble, and rock bottoms on reef flats, outer reefs and lagoons and also in caves, sometimes in small groups.

Biology

This member of the scorpionfish family has 13 venomous spines along its back, used to defend itself. These spines are connected with a clear, film-like membrane.

These fish are slow-moving and peaceful, but can be dangerous. They have a habit of resting in places hidden from light such as under a rock or a piece of coral. All lionfish are immune to each other's venom.

Behavior

While originally described as solitary predators, zebra lionfish have more recently been observed exhibiting gregarious behavior both in the wild and in a laboratory setting, living and hunting together in groups of two or three.

When hunting in groups, zebra lionfish herd their prey into a confined area using their venomous dorsal spines and flaring their fins to create a barrier. Individuals were observed taking turns striking at prey, and occasionally blowing jets of water at prey. Group hunting and water jet blowing behaviors have also been observed in invasive red lionfish in the Caribbean. Signaling turns in striking and fin flaring during group hunting observed in zebra lionfish, red lionfish, and spotfin lionfish may indicate that the cooperative signaling and gregarious hunting behaviors may be characteristic of the lionfish family as a whole.

The zebra lionfish feeds on small crustaceans and fish, and is in turn preyed upon by groupers.

Source: Wikipedia: Dendrochirus zebra — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dendrochirus_zebra (CC BY-SA 4.0). Accessed 2026-09-25.