Starry dragonet (Synchiropus stellatus)

Scientific name: Synchiropus stellatus Smith, 1963

The Starry dragonet (Synchiropus stellatus) is a marine fish of the family Callionymidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 24–26°C (75–79°F). Native range: Indian Ocean, East Africa to Sumatra, Indonesia. Also around oceanic islands.

Starry dragonet care at a glance

Temperature: 24–26°C (75–79°F)

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 7. Body mottled pink or gold above with silvery spots between dark sepia stellate blotches, silvery with dark red spots below; first dorsal fin with lines and ocelli in males, black with white margin distally in females.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Synchiropus stellatus
Family: Callionymidae (Dragonets)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 7.5
Depth range: 40 m (131 ft)
Environment: Marine; reef-associated; depth range ? - 40 m, usually 10 - 20 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Indian Ocean: East Africa to Sumatra, Indonesia. Also around oceanic islands.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Aquarium: commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)