Decorated Dragonet (Callionymus decoratus)
Fish in the family Callionymidae. Hard care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Decorated Dragonet is a small, slender fish with an ornate body pattern of blues, yellows, and oranges with intricate reticulated markings. It has a downward-facing mouth, large pectoral fins, and a distinctive first dorsal spine. The body is elongated and lacks scales, instead covered in mucus.
Diet and feeding
Feeds on small benthic fauna including copepods, amphipods, and other crustaceans. Provide meaty foods such as frozen mysis shrimp, frozen copepods, and small live foods when possible to replicate natural feeding behavior.
Difficulty and care for the Decorated Dragonet
The Decorated Dragonet requires significant husbandry attention. It is a selective feeder that may refuse prepared foods, demand live or frozen copepods, and requires a large, well-established aquarium with abundant microfauna. Most hobbyists find sustained feeding the primary challenge.
Common health issues
Starvation, malnutrition, parasitic infections, Ich
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region from Indonesia to the Philippines and northward to southern Japan.
Log Decorated Dragonet in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Decorated Dragonet alongside everything else in your reef.
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