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Spongy dragonet (Callionymus carebares) — Callionymidae

Spongy dragonet

Callionymus carebares
Family: Callionymidae

The Spongy dragonet (Callionymus carebares) is a saltwater fish of the family Callionymidae that grows up to 18 cm.

Length
18 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
135.0–330.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Bahrain, India, Kuwait, Mozambique, Oman, Pakistan and others

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Description

The Spongy dragonet is a dragonet (Callionymidae) from shallow sand and reef water of 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; 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 Spongy dragonet?

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

Where does the Spongy dragonet live?

The Spongy dragonet lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Bahrain, India, Kuwait, Mozambique, Oman, Pakistan and others

How big does the Spongy dragonet get?

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

Is the Spongy dragonet dangerous to humans?

No, the Spongy 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
Spongy dragonet sourced
Scientific name
Callionymus carebares
Family
Callionymidae
Other names
Indian deepwater dragonet verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
18.0 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)
135.0 verified
Max depth (m)
330.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Bahrain, India, Kuwait, Mozambique, Oman, Pakistan 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

Same genus Callionymus

More from the family Callionymidae

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