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Deepwater dragonet (Bathycallionymus kaianus) — Callionymidae

Deepwater dragonet

Bathycallionymus kaianus
Family: Callionymidae

The Deepwater dragonet (Bathycallionymus kaianus) is a saltwater fish of the family Callionymidae that grows up to 16 cm.

Length
16 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
180.0–290.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan and others

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Description

The deepwater dragonet is a dragonet (Callionymidae) of the continental slope in the Indo-West 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; the male carries a high, ornate first dorsal fin. As a bottom-dweller of deeper water it creeps over sand and mud and picks small crustaceans, worms and fish eggs. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Deepwater dragonet?

The Deepwater dragonet has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly red-orange.

Where does the Deepwater dragonet live?

The Deepwater dragonet lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan and others

How big does the Deepwater dragonet get?

The Deepwater dragonet grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.

Is the Deepwater dragonet dangerous to humans?

No, the Deepwater 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
Deepwater dragonet sourced
Scientific name
Bathycallionymus kaianus
Family
Callionymidae
Other names
Kai dragonet; Kai Island deepwater dragonet; Kaia's dragonet; Dragonet verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
16.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
180.0 verified
Max depth (m)
290.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan and others 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

More from the family Callionymidae

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