Proud dragonet – Callionymus superbus

Callionymus superbus, commonly known as the Superb Dragonet, is a fascinating and visually striking fish species found in the marine environments of the Indo-Pacific region.

Description & Characteristics

The Superb Dragonet, Callionymus superbus, is characterized by its elongated body, reaching a maximum size of 30.0 cm. Its head is flattened and its mouth is positioned at the bottom of its snout, which is slightly pointed. The features a distinct pair of long, whisker-like appendages extending from its chin, which are thought to help it sense prey in the sandy bottom where it lives. This species displays a vibrant color scheme, with males exhibiting a striking contrast of bright orange and yellow markings against a deep red background. Females, in contrast, are generally smaller and have a more subdued color pattern, typically ranging from a pale brown to a reddish hue.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Superb Dragonet, Callionymus superbus, is primarily found in shallow coastal waters with sandy or muddy bottoms. This species is known to inhabit depths ranging from 2.0 to 25.0 meters, making it a common resident of the neritic zone, the marine environment extending from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf. Its distribution spans the Indo-Pacific region, with notable occurrences in the western Pacific Ocean, including areas around Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines.

Taxonomy

The species Callionymus superbus belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Callionymiformes, and Family: Callionymidae. This classification places it within the group of bony fish, specifically in the order of dragonets, characterized by their distinct head shape and flattened bodies. The family Callionymidae includes a diverse range of species, most of which are found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide.

Feeding

The Superb Dragonet, Callionymus superbus, is a carnivorous fish, relying on a diet of small invertebrates. Its feeding strategy involves utilizing its sensitive barbels to detect prey buried in the sand or sediment. Once located, the dragonet swiftly uses its mouth to suction up its meal. This feeding behavior is well-adapted to its preferred habitat of sandy and muddy bottoms.