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Sand dragonet (Repomucenus calcaratus) — Callionymidae

Sand dragonet

Repomucenus calcaratus
Family: Callionymidae

The Sand dragonet (Repomucenus calcaratus) is a saltwater fish of the family Callionymidae that grows up to 22 cm.

Length
22 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
35–110 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia, Norfolk I., Lord Howe I.

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Description

The sand dragonet is a dragonet (Callionymidae) from coastal waters of the northwest Pacific, off East Asia. The species grows to about 22 cm and has a flattened, forward-tapering, sand-coloured mottled body with eyes on top of the head; males have a high, finely 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 Sand dragonet?

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

Where does the Sand dragonet live?

The Sand dragonet lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Australia, Norfolk I., Lord Howe I.

How big does the Sand dragonet get?

The Sand dragonet grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.

Is the Sand dragonet dangerous to humans?

No, the Sand 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

Sand dragonet (Repomucenus calcaratus) — Callionymidae — 2
Joycelyn Goh (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — AM
Sand dragonet (Repomucenus calcaratus) — Callionymidae — 3
Chi Phan (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — AM
Sand dragonet (Repomucenus calcaratus) — Callionymidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Henrick Michael, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Sand dragonet (Repomucenus calcaratus) — Callionymidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Henrick Michael, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))

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All data

Identification

English name
Sand dragonet sourced
Scientific name
Repomucenus calcaratus
Family
Callionymidae
Other names
Spotted dragonet; Spotted sand-dragonet; Spotted stinkfish; Stink-fish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
22 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)
35 verified
Max depth (m)
110 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia, Norfolk I., Lord Howe I. 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
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed.
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 Repomucenus

More from the family Callionymidae

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