Callionymus
Callionymus is a genus of dragonets, a group of fish in the family Callionymidae. They are found in marine environments worldwide, primarily in shallow, tropical and subtropical waters. These fish are typically small, with elongated bodies and large, protruding eyes.
Common Names
Callionymus species are commonly known as dragonets, but they also have many other names depending on the specific species and location. Some common names include:
- Dragonet
- Dwarf dragonet
- Sphinx dragonet
- Gem dragonet
Characteristics
Dragonets in the genus Callionymus share several common characteristics. These include:
- Elongated bodies: Their bodies are typically long and slender, with a pointed snout and a compressed head.
- Large, protruding eyes: Their eyes are located high on their head and protrude outwards, giving them a distinctive appearance.
- Small mouth: Their mouths are small and located at the end of their snout.
- Dorsal fins: They have two dorsal fins, the first being short and spiny, while the second is longer and soft-rayed.
- Pectoral fins: Their pectoral fins are large and fan-shaped, giving them the ability to hover in the water.
- Pelvic fins: Their pelvic fins are fused together and form a single, bar-like structure that supports the fish in a horizontal position on the seabed.
- Vibrant colors: Dragonets often have a variety of colorful patterns and markings, which vary depending on the species.
Environment
Callionymus species are typically found in shallow, sandy or muddy bottoms, often near coral reefs or seagrass beds. They are benthic fish, meaning they spend most of their time on or near the bottom of the ocean. Some species are also found in deeper waters.