Fingered Dragonet (Dactylopus dactylopus)
Fish in the family Callionymidae. Hard care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
Dactylopus dactylopus is a small, ornate dragonet with an elongated body and intricate patterning of cream, orange, and brown coloration overlaid with fine reticulations. The anterior dorsal fin is enlarged and fan-like with distinctive finger-like rays (the "fingered" common name), and the body is somewhat flattened laterally with a pointed snout. Males display more vibrant coloration and larger dorsal fins than females.
Diet and feeding
In captivity, feed small frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, copepods, and amphipods 2–3 times daily. Supplement with quality prepared microdiet formulations. Live copepods and amphipods in the sand bed provide natural grazing opportunities.
Difficulty and care for the Fingered Dragonet
Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.
Common health issues
Marine Ich, Fin Rot, Swim Bladder Disorder, Hole-in-the-Head Disease, Columnaris
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region from the Red Sea and East Africa through Southeast Asia to the Philippines and Indonesia, typically found in sandy and rubble substrates at depths of 5–40 meters.
Log Fingered 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 Fingered Dragonet alongside everything else in your reef.
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