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Schaap's dragonet (Callionymus schaapii) — Callionymidae

Schaap's dragonet

Callionymus schaapii
Family: Callionymidae

The Schaap's dragonet (Callionymus schaapii) is a brackish-water fish of the family Callionymidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
6.5 cm
Water
Brackish
Depth
0–8 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and others

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Description

The Schaap's 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 Schaap's dragonet?

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

Where does the Schaap's dragonet live?

The Schaap's dragonet lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and others

How big does the Schaap's dragonet get?

The Schaap's dragonet grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Schaap's dragonet dangerous to humans?

No, the Schaap's 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
Schaap's dragonet sourced
Scientific name
Callionymus schaapii
Family
Callionymidae
Other names
Short-snout sand-dragonet verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0 verified
Max depth (m)
8 verified
Natural range
Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and others 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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