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Deland's dragonet (Synchiropus delandi) — Callionymidae

Deland's dragonet

Synchiropus delandi
Family: Callionymidae

The Deland's dragonet (Synchiropus delandi) is a saltwater fish of the family Callionymidae that grows up to 16 cm.

Length
15.7 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–476.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Australia, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines

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Description

Deland's dragonet is a dragonet (Callionymidae) from shallow to deeper sand and coral-rubble water of the western Pacific. The species grows to about 7 cm and has a flattened body with a triangular head, high-set eyes and a scaleless skin. As a bottom-dweller it shuffles over sand and rubble and picks up small crustaceans, worms and bottom animals. The male shows a tall, flagged dorsal fin when displaying. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Deland's dragonet?

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

Where does the Deland's dragonet live?

The Deland's dragonet lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Australia, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines

How big does the Deland's dragonet get?

The Deland's dragonet grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.

Is the Deland's dragonet dangerous to humans?

No, the Deland'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
Deland's dragonet sourced
Scientific name
Synchiropus delandi
Family
Callionymidae
Other names
Deland's stinkfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
15.7 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)
476.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Australia, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines 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 Synchiropus

More from the family Callionymidae

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