Fin's Fish Guide
The Risso's dragonet (Callionymus risso) is a saltwater fish of the family Callionymidae that grows up to 18 cm.
Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, on sandy and silty bottoms of shallow to moderately deep water.
Description
Risso's dragonet is a small, flattened bottom fish of the family Callionymidae reaching about 18 cm. The broad, flat head has the eyes on top, and the sandy-brown body bears dark spots and a bluish pattern that lets it blend well against the bottom. As in other dragonets the sexes differ: the breeding male has a higher first dorsal fin and brighter colours than the female. The species lives on sand and mud bottoms of shallow to moderate water of the Mediterranean and the adjacent eastern Atlantic. On the bottom it searches for small crustaceans and worms. In spring and summer the male performs a courtship dance, after which eggs and larvae drift in open water. Because of its small size it has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Risso's dragonet?
The Risso's dragonet has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Small, flattened bottom-dwelling fish with the eyes on top of the head; the male has a higher first dorsal fin and brighter colours than the female.
Where does the Risso's dragonet live?
The Risso's dragonet lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, on sandy and silty bottoms of shallow to moderately deep water.
How big does the Risso's dragonet get?
The Risso's dragonet grows to a maximum of about 18 cm. On average the species is around 4 cm.
Is the Risso's dragonet dangerous to humans?
No, the Risso's dragonet is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Risso's dragonet edible?
The Risso's dragonet is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Risso's dragonet and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Callionymus
More from the family Callionymidae
Want the complete picture on the Risso's dragonet?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Risso's dragonet is one of 12,519 species in the app.