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Australian dragonet (Callionymus australis) — Callionymidae

Australian dragonet

Callionymus australis
Family: Callionymidae

The Australian dragonet (Callionymus australis) is a saltwater fish of the family Callionymidae that grows up to 18 cm.

Length
18 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–100.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia

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Description

The Australian dragonet is a dragonet (Callionymidae) from shallow sand and reef water of the waters around Australia. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a flattened, scaleless body with a triangular head, high-set eyes and a small, protrusible mouth; males often carry a high, ornate first dorsal fin. As a bottom-dweller it creeps over sand and rubble and picks small crustaceans, worms and fish eggs. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Australian dragonet?

The Australian dragonet has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Australian dragonet live?

The Australian dragonet lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Australia

How big does the Australian dragonet get?

The Australian dragonet grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.

Is the Australian dragonet dangerous to humans?

No, the Australian dragonet is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Australian dragonet sourced
Scientific name
Callionymus australis
Family
Callionymidae
Other names
Northwestern Australian sawspine dragonet; Australian stinkfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
18.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
100.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Callionymus

More from the family Callionymidae

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