Spotted Dragonet (Diplogrammus xenicus)
Fish in the family Callionymidae. Hard care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Spotted Dragonet is a small, elongated fish with a flattened ventral surface and distinctive blue to turquoise coloration on the head and anterior body, covered with numerous orange-red spots or blotches. The body transitions to yellowish posteriorly, and it features high, sail-like dorsal fins typical of the Callionymidae family.
Diet and feeding
The Spotted Dragonet is a microphagous carnivore that feeds primarily on small benthic crustaceans, particularly copepods and amphipods. In captivity, it requires a well-established, mature aquarium with abundant live sand and rubble where copepod populations can thrive; supplemental feeding with small frozen foods may be necessary but live prey is strongly preferred.
Difficulty and care for the Spotted Dragonet
This species is challenging for most hobbyists due to its specialized dietary requirements—it depends almost entirely on live copepods and amphipods and rarely accepts prepared foods. Success requires an established, mature aquarium with substantial live sand and rock supporting a robust copepod population, stable water conditions, and close observation to ensure adequate nutrition.
Common health issues
Starvation (inadequate copepod populations), parasitic infections, bacterial infections from poor water quality
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region, ranging from Indonesia and the Philippines westward through coral reef environments of Southeast Asia.
Log Spotted 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 Spotted Dragonet alongside everything else in your reef.
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