Lionfish API Mod (1.21.11, 1.20.1) – New Version of Citadel, Lighter

When Citadel started feeling bloated and slow to update, modder mcl_ender decided to strip it down and rebuild from scratch. Lionfish API Mod is a streamlined animation API built on the foundations of Mowzie's Mobs' internal animation system and Citadel, but without the redundant features that weighed Citadel down. With over 2.4 million downloads on Modrinth, it has quickly become the go-to dependency for L_Ender's collection of creature mods — and for good reason.

Key Features

• Lightweight animation API — Strips away Citadel's heavy, unused features to deliver only what L_Ender's mods actually need, resulting in an API that appears to be significantly lighter on resources.
• Built on proven foundations — Combines the best parts of Mowzie's Mobs' internal animation API and Citadel's architecture into a cleaner, more focused library.
• Faster update cycle — Created specifically to avoid Citadel's slow update timeline, so L_Ender's mods can ship support for new Minecraft versions sooner.
• Multi-loader support — Available for both Forge (1.19.2) and NeoForge (1.21–1.21.1), covering the major mod loaders players actually use.
• Sodium compatibility — The latest version recommends Sodium when installed alongside OptiFine, giving players a smoother rendering experience.

Screenshots

How to Install

1. Install Minecraft Forge (for 1.19.2) or NeoForge (for 1.21/1.21.1) if you haven't already.
2. Download the correct Lionfish API file for your Minecraft version from the link below.
3. Place the downloaded .jar file into your .minecraft/mods folder.
4. Launch Minecraft with your Forge or NeoForge profile and confirm the mod loads without errors.

Requirements

Pros & Cons

Download

What's New

• The mod now recommends Sodium as an alternative when it detects OptiFine is installed, steering players toward better rendering performance.
• BiomeConfig has been removed, further trimming the API's footprint and reducing unnecessary overhead.
• These changes continue the mod's core philosophy: keep only what's essential, cut everything else.

FAQ

Do I need Lionfish API if I don't use L_Ender's mods?

No. Lionfish API exists specifically as a dependency for L_Ender's mods like The Enderlings and Born in Chaos. If you don't have any of those installed, you don't need this API.

Can I use Lionfish API and Citadel at the same time?

Lionfish API was designed as a replacement for Citadel in L_Ender's mods, so you should not need both. Check which dependency your specific mod version requires and install only that one to avoid potential conflicts.

Is Lionfish API compatible with OptiFine?

The latest update acknowledges OptiFine compatibility but actively recommends Sodium as a lighter alternative. Both should work, though Sodium is the preferred option according to the developer.

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