Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Dire Lionfish

Large · Beast · CR 6 · Unaligned

Source. Tome of Beasts 3

15 (natural armor)

136 (16d10+48)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-4

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Beast

Alignment Unaligned

XP 2300

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Swim 60 ft (18.3 m)

Senses

Passive Perception 14

Skills

Perception +1

Traits

Charge

If it moves 30'+ straight to foe and hits with Headbutt attack on same turn target takes an extra 9 (2d8) piercing damage.

Coral Camouflage

The lionfish has advantage on Dex (Stealth) checks made to hide in underwater terrain that includes plant life or coral reefs.

Envenomed Spines

A creature that touches lionfish or hits it with melee attack while within 5 ft. of it: 7 (2d6) poison.

Poison Affinity

Advantage on saves vs. being poisoned.

Water Breathing

Can breathe only underwater.

About Dire Lionfish

Dire Lionfish is a large beast with a Challenge Rating of 6. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 15 and possesses 136 hit points (derived from 16d10+48).

GM Tips: Using Dire Lionfish

1 tips available

When using Dire Lionfish in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

Aquatic Combat: This creature can swim at 60 ft. It has advantage in water environments. Consider fighting on land or using water-based spells against it.

Player Guide: Facing Dire Lionfish

1 strategies available

When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:

Aquatic Combat Defense: This creature can swim at 60 ft! It has advantage in water. Fight on land if possible. Use 'Control Water' or drain water sources to limit its mobility.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 6.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 9 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 4,200 XP
Hard: 6,300 XP
Deadly: 8,400 XP

Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the challenge rating of Dire Lionfish?: Dire Lionfish has a Challenge Rating of 6, making it appropriate for parties of level 6.0.
What type of creature is Dire Lionfish?: Dire Lionfish is a Large Beast, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.