Fingered dragonet (Dactylopus dactylopus)

Scientific name: Dactylopus dactylopus Valenciennes, 1837

The Fingered dragonet (Dactylopus dactylopus) is a marine fish of the family Callionymidae. Native range: Western Pacific, Japan to northwestern Australia.

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 7. Identified by the finger-like separate first rays of the ventral fins, and distinguished from the similar D. kuiteri in usually having 8 divided rays in the second dorsal fin (versus 9), the fin with a distinct horizontal pattern of lines in adults, and males have long filaments on the first dorsal fin (versus short or absent). Body moderately depressed. Preopercular spine with processes on both inner and outer sides. Pelvic spine and 1st pelvic ray fused into an elongate rod, separated from the other pelvic rays. Attains 10 cm SL.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Dactylopus dactylopus
Family: Callionymidae (Dragonets)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 30.0
Depth range: 1–55 m (3–180 ft)
Environment: Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 55 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Western Pacific: Japan to northwestern Australia.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)