Dragonets and Relatives: Callionymoidei

Male dragonets use their long first dorsal fins for male-to-male fights and male-to-female courtship. Almost nothing is known about the behavior of draconetts. Their large eyes probably aid them in movement, feeding, and reproductive behavior in deep bottom habitats.

Males dragonets defend their territory when they are reproducing. In courtship a male approaches a female, displays his spread-out fins to her, and, as if carrying her, rises with her a short distance in the water, where free-floating eggs are released and fertilized (FUR-teh-lyzed), or united with sperm to start development. Almost nothing is known about reproduction of draconetts. Mating is probably paired and takes place in open water with a rapid, short rise in the water, where eggs and sperm are released.