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Palefin dragonet (Synchiropus goodenbeani) — Callionymidae

Palefin dragonet

Synchiropus goodenbeani
Family: Callionymidae

The Palefin dragonet (Synchiropus goodenbeani) is a saltwater fish of the family Callionymidae that grows up to 18 cm.

Length
18.4 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
47.0–396.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Mexico, USA

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Description

The Palefin dragonet is a dragonet (Callionymidae) from shallow sand and reef water of the western Atlantic. The species grows to about 8 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 Palefin dragonet?

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

Where does the Palefin dragonet live?

The Palefin dragonet lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Mexico, USA

How big does the Palefin dragonet get?

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

Is the Palefin dragonet dangerous to humans?

No, the Palefin 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
Palefin dragonet sourced
Scientific name
Synchiropus goodenbeani
Family
Callionymidae
Other names
Palefin dragonet; Goode and Bean's dragonet verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
18.4 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)
47.0 verified
Max depth (m)
396.0 verified
Natural range
North America: Mexico, USA 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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