Latin name

Callionymus delicatulus

Other name

Callionymus delicatulus

Identification

Callionymus: Greek, kallion, comparative of kallos = beautiful + Greek, onyma = name; with a better name.

Males are distinguished from females by the color of the first dorsal fin and the filamentous nature of the first two spines. 

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 7.

Fish colouring

Camouflaged fish are sandy in color. Small blue spots and lines can be seen on the head, the snout is yellowish, and females have a blackish spot on the first dorsal fin between the third and fourth spines. Males have a whitish first dorsal fin with small black spots.

Distribution

Widespread in the Indo-West Pacific: from the Red Sea to the Solomon Islands; Palau in Micronesia.

Habitat

Tropical marine species. Occurs on reefs at depths from 1 to 28 m, more commonly from 1 to 20 m.

Size

This species reaches a length of 6 centimeters (2.4 inches).

Behavior

It is found on the sandy, silty bottoms of lagoon reefs. To defend itself from predators, the Delicate Dragonette quickly burrows into the sand at the bottom, leaving only its eyes visible.

Food and feeding habits

Feeds exclusively on benthic sources, mainly paddlefish, amphipods and other small invertebrates that feed on seagrass stems.

Reproduction

When a female Delicate Dragon accepts a male for spawning, they form a pair. Spawning takes place in the evening, just before sunset. The spawning behavior of the fish is divided into four distinct stages: courtship, mating, ascent, and release of eggs and milk.

Fishing

This species is commercially important for fishing.

Relationship with a person

Harmless. Delicate dragons can be found in the aquarium trade.