Little Dragonfish (orange)

Eurypegasus draconis is a species of marine fish in the family Pegasidae.

Description

Color is variable: body usually light to dark red or brown (even black), with dorsal and lateral area darker than ventral surface. Pectoral fins hyaline, distal margin white and spotted. Pelvic fin spine and 1st ray forming an elongate, tentacular structure.

Distribution

The little dragonfish is widespread throughout the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific, Red Sea included.

Habitat

It inhabits lagoons often among algal or seagrass beds. It is found on sand or silt bottoms, frequently in bays or estuaries. It is opportunistic feeder that collect mainly epifaunal and interstitial invertebrate prey, e.g., crustaceans and worms from the sediment-water interface. Sheds its skin in one piece with a rapid jump periodically to rid itself of accumulated ballast. Adults usually in pairs on muddy substrates. It has a monogamous mating system with close-pair bonding.