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Moreton Bay dragonet (Callionymus moretonensis) — Callionymidae

Moreton Bay dragonet

Callionymus moretonensis
Family: Callionymidae

The Moreton Bay dragonet (Callionymus moretonensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Callionymidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
124–132 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea

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Description

The Moreton Bay dragonet is a dragonet (Callionymidae) from coastal waters of eastern Australia. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a flattened, forward-tapering body with eyes on top of the head; males have a high, often beautifully marked first dorsal fin. As a bottom-dweller it lives on sand and mud bottoms and picks small invertebrates from the sediment. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Moreton Bay dragonet?

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

Where does the Moreton Bay dragonet live?

The Moreton Bay dragonet lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Australia, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea

How big does the Moreton Bay dragonet get?

The Moreton Bay dragonet grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Moreton Bay dragonet dangerous to humans?

No, the Moreton Bay 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.

More photos

Moreton Bay dragonet (Callionymus moretonensis) — Callionymidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Ken Graham, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Moreton Bay dragonet (Callionymus moretonensis) — Callionymidae — 3
Chi Phan (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — AM
Moreton Bay dragonet (Callionymus moretonensis) — Callionymidae — 4
Australian National Fish Collection, CSIRO (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF

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All data

Identification

English name
Moreton Bay dragonet sourced
Scientific name
Callionymus moretonensis
Family
Callionymidae
Other names
Ocellate dragonet; Ocellated dragonet; Queensland stinkfish; Moreton Bay deepwater dragonet verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
124 verified
Max depth (m)
132 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates
Territorial
No
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
Yes
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish.
Regulations source

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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