Lancer Dragonet (Callionymus bairdi)
Fish in the family Callionymidae. Hard care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Lancer Dragonet is a small, elongated fish with a slender body and a pointed snout resembling a lance. It displays vibrant coloration with blues, yellows, and greens on the head and body, often with distinctive stripe or spot patterns. The dorsal and anal fins are elongated and patterned with fine radiating lines.
Diet and feeding
Carnivorous, feeding on small crustaceans and zooplankton in the wild. In captivity, offer copious live microfauna including amphipods, small copepods, and quality frozen preparations (Mysis shrimp, frozen copepods). A well-established sandy substrate is essential for natural foraging.
Difficulty and care for the Lancer Dragonet
The Lancer Dragonet is a challenging species requiring a mature tank with abundant live copepods and amphipods. It is easily outcompeted for food and does not adapt well to prepared foods alone, making it best suited for experienced aquarists.
Common health issues
Starvation (insufficient live food), parasite sensitivity, lateral line erosion (HLLE), stress-related disease
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region, including waters around Indonesia, Philippines, and the Great Barrier Reef area. Found in shallow coastal reef environments and sandy substrate habitats.
Log Lancer 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 Lancer Dragonet alongside everything else in your reef.
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