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Colin's dragonet (Callionymus colini) — Callionymidae

Colin's dragonet

Callionymus colini
Family: Callionymidae

The Colin's dragonet (Callionymus colini) is a saltwater fish of the family Callionymidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
3.4 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
24.0–26.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Papua New Guinea

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Description

The Colin's dragonet is a dragonet (Callionymidae) from shallow sand and reef water of the western Pacific. 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 Colin's dragonet?

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

Where does the Colin's dragonet live?

The Colin's dragonet lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Papua New Guinea

How big does the Colin's dragonet get?

The Colin's dragonet grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.

Is the Colin's dragonet dangerous to humans?

No, the Colin's 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
Colin's dragonet sourced
Scientific name
Callionymus colini
Family
Callionymidae
Other names
Tiny New Guinea longtail dragonet verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.4 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
Min depth (m)
24.0 verified
Max depth (m)
26.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Papua New Guinea 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
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. 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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