Dragonets and Relatives: Callionymoidei - Physical Characteristics, Behavior And Reproduction, Lancer Dragonet (paradiplogrammus Bairdi): Species Account - GEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, DIET, THEIR RELATIVES DRAGONETS AND PEOPLE, CONSERVATION STATUS
live eat sand algae
Dragonets and their relatives live in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans.
Most dragonets live on coral, rubble, sand, mud, and other soft bottoms. Some live among algae-covered rocks or mangrove roots in water with a low salt content. Little is known about the habitats of draconetts. They probably live in rubble and sand or among rocks. Algae (AL-jee) are plantlike growths that live in water and have no true roots, stems, or leaves.
Dragonets and their relatives eat small, bottom-dwelling invertebrates, or animals without backbones. Larger species eat larger animals.
Dragonets are important aquarium fish. Draconetts do not appear to have any importance to humans.
The World Conservation Union (IUCN) lists one species of dragonets and their relatives as Critically Endangered, or facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
Additional Topics
Dragonets and their relatives are small and have a long flat body with a broad flat head. Dragonets usually have two dorsal fins, the first having one to four spines. The dorsal fins of some males are large and high and have long rays, or supporting rods. Dragonets also have large pelvic and pectoral fins. The dorsal (DOOR-suhl) fin is the one along the midline of the back. The pelvic fins corresp…
Physical characteristics: Lancer dragonets reach a total length of about 4 inches (11 centimeters). Males are larger than females, have larger fins, an extended dorsal fin, and bolder color patterns on the body and fins. The body is long and has no scales. These fish have four spines on the first dorsal fin. The color pattern varies between sexes. The top half of the body has marbling and mottling…
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